Stelios North–South Business Cooperation Awards
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North – South Business Cooperation Awards 2026! 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:
Each company must be:
▪ The awards are open to businesses registered in the Companies Registration Office (CRO.ie) in Ireland or with Companies House (Belfast) with the registered office being in Northern Ireland.
▪ Companies must be active on both sides of the Irish border and have significant cross-border economic activity including a customer base in both markets.
▪ Preference will be given to entries from two companies working on a joint cross-border business activity on the island of Ireland, across any sector of the economy.
▪ Both companies must be start-ups incorporated in the last five years, 2020 or later.
▪ 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.
▪ Previous Gold and Silver winners are ineligible to apply again, while Bronze winners remain eligible to reapply.
28 may 2026
Applications are open for the awards.
07 September 2026
5pm is the deadline for applications completed via the TypeForm
28 October 2026
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.
