Spotlight on Bicommunal Business Ventures
In an inspiring display of collaboration, 34 bicommunal business ventures have stepped into the limelight, vying for the prestigious Stelios Foundation Bicommunal Business Awards. This year’s competition sees a diverse array of partnerships between Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot entrepreneurs, each aiming to secure one of the coveted ten prizes that collectively total a substantial €200,000.
The unique format of the awards requires each business to be jointly led by individuals from both communities, underscoring the importance of cooperation and mutual growth. The prize money is set to be evenly distributed among the winners, providing a significant financial boost to support their joint ventures.
Anticipation is building as the awards ceremony approaches, scheduled for April 18 at the Stelios Foundation’s headquarters in Nicosia. The foundation, established by EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has been a beacon of support for bicommunal efforts since 2009. Over the years, it has distributed nearly €5 million in funding, fueling the ambitions of entrepreneurs who see business as a bridge between divided communities.
The Stelios Foundation Bicommunal Business Awards not only recognize the entrepreneurial spirit but also celebrate the potential for business to act as a catalyst for peace and understanding. As these 34 ventures prepare to present their cases, they stand as testament to the power of collaboration across divides.