For the third consecutive year, young entrepreneurs in Cyprus are embracing the 'Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs in Cyprus', competing for the prize money of €200,000, which will be offered to the three best business proposals by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.
Haji-Ioannou is the founder and owner of the easy family of Brands (www.easy.com & www.easyHistory.info), and founder and president of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (https://steliosfoundation.com.cy).
Record participation
This year, the response exceeded all previous records, underscoring the institution's importance and prestige. A record-breaking 77 young entrepreneurs have submitted their applications to take part in the 'Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs in Cyprus'. This impressive turnout reflects the new generation’s thirst for progress and innovation, highlighting that young Cypriot entrepreneurs recognise the awards as a leading platform to promote creativity and business innovation.
Double the Prize Money
This year’s competition carries even greater weight, as the total prize fund has doubled to €200,000, offering strong incentives and tangible support to the winners.
The prize allocation for the 2025 Young Entrepreneurs Awards is as follows:
- 1st Prize: €100,000
- 2nd Prize: €60,000
- 3rd Prize: €40,000
Established since 2008
The 'Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs', which started in Greece in 2008, have since become well established in Cyprus, providing the next generation of entrepreneurs the opportunity to dare, showcase their vision and ideas, and turn them into reality.
Eligibility was open to individuals of any nationality, under the age of 34, who founded a company in the Republic of Cyprus within the last five years, with an annual turnover of at least €40,000.
Awards Ceremony on 7 October
Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be conducted online, while the Awards Ceremony, where Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou will personally present the prizes to the winning entrepreneurs, will take place on 7 October 2025, in the presence of the First Lady of the Republic, Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides.
About the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation
The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, a non-profit organisation, is dedicated to supporting charitable activities in the countries where Sir Stelios and his family have lived and worked: Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France.
In Cyprus, the Foundation’s notable initiatives include the Bi-Communal Business Cooperation Awards and the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, both offering financial support to winners. In addition, the 'Food from the Heart' initiative provides food to thousands facing economic hardship. The Foundation also extends financial aid to vulnerable groups, those impacted by major disasters, charitable organisations, and students through scholarships for university-level studies
