Until 30 April, interested bi-communal teams may submit applications for the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards, with the total prize fund this year amounting to €500,000.

According to an announcement by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands and Founder and President of the Foundation, “reaffirms for the 16th consecutive year his consistent commitment to supporting cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.”

On 4 June 2026, he will once again recognise bi-communal entrepreneurship, increasing the total prize fund to €500,000, which will be awarded to 18 Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs.

The Awards Ceremony will take place at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Headquarters, at 5 Markou Drakou Street, Nicosia.

For the second consecutive year, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has proceeded with a further increase in the financial awards, providing tangible support to the nine winning bi-communal business teams, each consisting of two members.
As noted, “this financial support creates the conditions for reinvestment, growth, and further strengthening of their business activities in both communities.”

Interested teams may apply through the website of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation at www.steliosfoundation.com.cy.

It is clarified that, according to the terms of the Awards, the competition is open to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs whose business has an annual turnover of at least €10,000 and employs at least one additional person, beyond the owner.

Supporting documentation proving joint business activity in both communities must also be submitted. Previous winners and past applicants are also eligible to apply.

The nine winning bi-communal teams, each consisting of two entrepreneurs, will compete for the total prize fund of €500,000.

• The Gold Award will be presented to one team, which will receive €150,000, with €75,000 allocated to each entrepreneur.

• Two teams will receive the Silver Award, sharing a total of €200,000. Each Silver-winning team will receive €100,000, with €50,000 per entrepreneur.

• Six teams will be honoured with the Bronze Award, with a total value of €150,000. Each team will receive €25,000, corresponding to €12,500 per entrepreneur.

Referring to the institution of the Bi-Communal Awards, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou underlines that entrepreneurship has the power to bring people together and build bridges where dividing lines existed for years.

For the second consecutive year, he notes, the awards have been strengthened, with the prize fund reaching half a million euros, offering winning teams the opportunity to support their businesses and continue their shared journey with stability.

At the same time, Sir Stelios emphasises the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and shared responsibility for the future of Cyprus.
The Bi-Communal Awards, he adds, go beyond financial recognition and reflect a belief in coexistence, people, and the power of collective effort, contributing to a Cyprus with prospects and a commitment to peace.

The Stelios Bi-Communal Awards mark 16 years in 2026, with the total value of the awards to date, including this year’s €500,000, reaching €5.3 million.