THE REACTION to the launch of the Stelios Award for Business Co-operation in Cyprus has been ‘overwhelming’, with 36 solid applications received so far from a wide range of entrepreneurs and businesses across the island.
The award was established by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the serial entrepreneur and founder of easyGroup. The expressions of interest have been so numerous that Haji-Ioannou has decided to extend the deadline for entry from August 31 until September 11 2009.
The award was formally launched in Nicosia on July 6 at an entrepreneurial event involving “some bi-communal business networking” hosted by British High Commissioner Peter Millett.
Around 120 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot small business owners attended the event, responding to the chance to meet a future business collaborator.
Announcing the award in April, Haji-Ioannou, whose parents were born in Cyprus, told the British press that he wants to “break down the barriers” between the country’s north and south, saying: “When money talks, people set aside their differences.”
Haji-Ioannou has pledged to give away as much as €1 million of his own money over the next four years to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship and bi-communal business teamwork in Cyprus, and help to foster cross-border relationships.
The award is targeted at young, dynamic businesses in need of growth funding. It aims to reward those who are best able to demonstrate effective teamwork, mutual trust, and prospects for business viability.
The entrepreneurial teams must show island-wide entrepreneurial activity, and consist of at least one Greek-Cypriot and one Turkish-Cypriot, each born in Cyprus. Up to five winning teams will be presented with a personal cheque for €50,000 from Haji-Ioannou, who will review applications personally.
Commenting on the initiative, Haji-Ioannou said: “I am delighted at the response we have received so far for the award.
“I set it up in the hope that it could help to break down the barriers that exist between the island’s north and south – which are currently divided by different languages, religions, and cultures.
“The volume of and quality of applicants demonstrates that the potential is there to foster a long-term spirit of business co-operation.”
Haji-Ioannou is best known for creating easyJet in 1995, at the age of 28. Today, he owns and runs easyGroup, a holding company that operates the “no frills” low-cost business model under several “easy” brands in sectors such as car rental, internet cafés, hotels, cinemas, and cruise ships. He is said to be worth £1.3 billion.
For more information, visit www.stelios.com/cyprus-business-cooperation
