A new €500,000 business awards programme has been launched by the Stelios Foundation to encourage North-South business cooperation on the Island of Ireland.
The details were announced by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the creator and owner of the easy brands – including easyJet.com, easyHotel.com and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.
The new initiative aims to celebrate and support cross-border entrepreneurship and encourage start-ups on the island of Ireland.
A total prize fund of €500,000 will be awarded to 18 entrepreneurs, across nine teams, who have started businesses registered in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland within the past five years and are now trading cross-border.
“When businesses from both sides of the border collaborate, they do more than drive economic growth; they build trust, create lasting jobs, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities,” said Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.
“We are working for lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland,” he added.
The awards will culminate in a ceremony at Castle Leslie Estate, Co Monaghan in October.
