For the 15th consecutive year, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of the easy family of Brands (easy.com, easyHistory.info), and President of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, awarded ten bi-communal business teams—comprising ten Greek Cypriot and ten Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs—at the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Cooperation in Cyprus 2025.

The award ceremony took place on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the headquarters of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, located at Markou Drakou 5 in Nicosia. The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, attended the event. This year’s total prize amount reached €410,000, bringing the Foundation’s cumulative contribution since 2009 to €4.8 million.

A record number of 96 Greek and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs (48 bi-communal teams) submitted joint applications this year—significantly more than in 2024—demonstrating growing interest in cross-community business collaboration.

The ten winning teams received a total of €410,000, distributed as follows:

• 1 Gold Award: €100,000 (€50,000 per entrepreneur)

• 2 Silver Awards: €50,000 each (€25,000 per entrepreneur)

• 7 Bronze Awards: €30,000 each (€15,000 per entrepreneur)

Gold Award Winners:
Andreas Andreou – Emre Serdar – slimlineframe.com
Their company specializes in aluminium facades, doors, and windows, exporting their products abroad.
"We are grateful to Sir Stelios and his Foundation for this honour. This recognition encourages further collaboration between entrepreneurs from both communities."

Silver Award Winners:
Agathoklis Agathokleous – Hasan Siber – coliveoil.com
Mass olive oil production in the Larnaca region.
"This support is vital for bi-communal businesses. We feel part of a larger family and hope to grow it further."

Panikos Panagi – Pelin Akcinar – decaar.com
Cosmetology brand based on expertise in skincare and business development.
"This award reaffirms our belief in sustainable partnerships that foster peace and prosperity in Cyprus."

Bronze Award Winners:
Steven Stavrou – Burak Doluay – socialtechlab.org
A social enterprise fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and tech-based collaboration.
"These awards play a crucial role in strengthening bi-communal entrepreneurship in Cyprus."

Ioannis Papadikos – Huseyin Yavuzkurt – Fish Market Morfou LTD / Hüseyin Yavuzkurt LTD
Fresh fish exports and trade across Cyprus.
"This award strengthens our work and reinforces our commitment to cross-community growth."

Michalis Ioannides – Gulcan Kulle Yalınca – unicapenterprises.com
Trade in GlobalGAP-certified tomatoes.
"This honour reflects a shared vision for intercommunal trust and peace through trade."

Marina Neophytou – Nurtane Karagil – visual-voices.org
A social enterprise producing innovative artistic and cultural work.
"We're proud to be part of the winning teams and excited to see support extend to the cultural sector."

Christos Konteatis – Muhit Ince – caterways.com & tradegreenline.com
Food packaging production and distribution.
"We're honoured by the trust in our partnership and inspired to continue bridging divides through business."

Michalis Pantelides – Arif Cebeci – mpviolins.com
Crafting handmade violins and restoring antiques.
"This recognition highlights the power of collaboration through music and craftsmanship."

Dimitrakis Ellinas – Memduh Aybar – dellinas.eu & sibaltd.com
Sales of PVC HVAC Grills and building facades.
"These awards motivate us to grow our vision and develop meaningful, resilient partnerships."

In his address, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou stated: "The increase in participation this year sends a powerful message: no dividing line can halt cooperation between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Our goal remains the same—to support economic partnerships that build mutual understanding, trust, and peaceful coexistence. 60% of this year’s winners have won before, showing long-term cooperation. The remaining 40% are new, proving our success in changing the mindset around bi-communal collaboration in Cyprus."

President Nikos Christodoulides added: "These awards represent a promise for the Cyprus we envision—a reunified country that all Cypriots deserve. Over 15 years, the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards have become an established initiative promoting lasting peace through entrepreneurial collaboration."

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation operates in countries where Sir Stelios and his family have lived or worked: Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France. In Cyprus, the Foundation supports initiatives such as:

• Bi-Communal and Youth Entrepreneurship Awards

• “Food from the Heart” – providing meals to thousands facing financial hardship

• Emergency support for disaster victims and vulnerable groups

• Scholarships for students attending higher education institutions

For more details, visit steliosfoundation.com.cy.