The new generation of entrepreneurs needs much more than inspiration. They need access to opportunities, trust, meaningful support and an ecosystem that allows ideas to develop into businesses with real impact. Creating these conditions is a shared responsibility of the market, businesses, universities and institutions.
As part of the 'UNFOLD FESTIVAL: The Next Wave of Gen Z & Millennial Entrepreneurs' on 24 June, the CEO Leadership Conversation highlighted the challenges and significant opportunities that are opening up for the new generation of entrepreneurs in Cyprus. The participants shared the view that younger professionals bring different expectations, new skills and a more global perspective on entrepreneurship, elements that can act as a catalyst for the country’s development.
During the discussion, issues were raised regarding access to financing, linking education to the labor market, cultivating an entrepreneurial culture, innovation, and the need for collaboration between all stakeholders in the ecosystem.
Philippos Soseilos, CEO & Chairman of PwC Cyprus, used the example of the glass half full and half empty to describe the prevailing image surrounding the country's prospects. As he mentioned, the international business community often evaluates Cyprus much more positively than Cypriots themselves, underlining that there are significant development opportunities, provided that greater faith in the country's potential is cultivated and closer cooperation between the different sectors of the economy is fostered.
Dr. Christoforos Hadjikyprianou, CEO and President of the Council of the European University Cyprus, stressed that the new generation brings with them valuable digital skills, creativity and a different approach to work and entrepreneurship. As he noted, many young people are looking for organisations with purpose, values and meaningful impact, while underlining that they have the tools to lead, if given the right opportunities.
On his part, Ioannis Mavridis, CEO of Cablenet Communication Systems Plc, argued that technology has created enormous opportunities for business compared to previous decades. As he stated, there are today growth models that were previously considered unthinkable, while he described Cyprus as a strong base from which businesses can reach out to the entire world.
Irene Gregoriou, Chief of Consumer Banking at Bank of Cyprus, expressed optimism for the coming years, noting that Cypriot society has repeatedly proven its resilience. As she stated, the combination of the experience and resilience of previous generations with the creativity, innovation and fresh perspective of the younger generation can create excellent prospects for the future.
Moderating the discussion, George Michael, the CEO of IMH, described the new generation as an improved version of the previous one, emphasising that young people have more tools, greater familiarity with technology and a stronger international perspective. At the same time, he noted that the presence of foreign professionals and investors in Cyprus enriches the ecosystem with additional know-how and new experiences.
Opening the discussion, he described the UNFOLD FESTIVAL as a particularly inspiring journey of ideas and experiences that cultivated optimism for the future of Cypriot entrepreneurship, while thanking the supporters and sponsors of the event.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
