Stelios North–South Business Cooperation Awards
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Ian Jeffers, Co-operation Ireland CEO, highlights the importance of the North–South Business Cooperation Awards
Following the launch of the Stelios Foundation North-South Business Cooperation Awards Ireland Cooperation Awards 2025, we are pleased to share a contribution from Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland, who reflected on the significance of this new initiative and the...
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North – South Business Cooperation Awards 2025! A total of €500,000 in cash prizes to be won by 18 entrepreneurs on the island of Ireland!
Working for lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland by promoting business cooperation between North and South.
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands – including easyJet.com, easyHotel.com and many others (see www.easy.com and www.easyHistory.info), and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation has announced the launch of the inaugural North–South Business Cooperation Awards, a major new initiative designed to celebrate and support cross-border entrepreneurship and encourage start-ups on the island of Ireland.
Inspired by similar award initiatives in Cyprus, Greece and the UK, the Awards recognise entrepreneurs whose ventures bridge the communities of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With a total prize fund of €500,000, the Awards offer both recognition and tangible support to foster innovation, job creation and lasting cooperation. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to give back to society in places where Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family have lived and worked.
The awards are run in partnership with Cooperation Ireland, which is a prominent all‑island peace‑building charity operating in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Ian Jeffers, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland, which is partnering on the initiative, added: “Cross-border business partnerships can play a powerful role in promoting peace, prosperity and shared understanding. These awards recognise that co-operation is not just a shared ideal – it’s a powerful driver of real economic progress. Sir Stelios’ commitment to backing ambitious entrepreneurs across the island is both timely and inspiring. By supporting ventures that operate beyond traditional boundaries, we’re helping to embed lasting economic ties that benefit communities North and South.”
1 Gold Award: €150,000
2 Silver Awards: €100,000 each
6 Bronze Awards: €25,000 each
ELIGIBLITY TO APPLY:
- Preferably comprise of a company registered in the Companies Registration Office (CRO.ie) in Ireland and a company registered with Companies House (Belfast) with the registered office being in Northern Ireland.
- Both companies must be start-ups incorporated in the last five years, 2019 or later.
- Each company should have an entrepreneur, founder or shareholder who owns at least 50% of the shares.
- The two entrepreneurs must be working in a joint business activity on the island of Ireland, across any sector of the economy.
- Each company must have a minimum annual turnover of €200,000 / £160,000 and must employ at least three other staff members, not including the owner.
- Alternatively, companies can apply on their own (without a second team member) if they can demonstrate significant cross-border economic activity, including a customer base in both markets
18 June 2025
Applications are open for the awards.
16 September 2025
5pm is the deadline for submitting your application email to: Maya.turnbull@stelios.com
30 October 2025
The winners will be announced by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou at an in-person ceremony.
Scan the QR code and follow the Awards page on LinkedIn.
