Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of easyJet and serial entrepreneur, today announced the 2012 launch of the Stelios Award for Business Cooperation in Cyprus – now in its 4th year. Later this year, five entrepreneurial teams - comprising at least one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot - will receive EUR50,000 each for their work in promoting business cooperation on the island of Cyprus.

Since its inception in 2009 Stelios’ award has been received by a variety of diverse teams and businesses: all, however, dedicated to fostering cultural and economic ties between the Cypriot communities across the Green Line buffer zone which today splits the island.

From the film partnership between 2011 Award recipients Danae Stylianou and Rahme Veziroglou (who produced the film "Sharing An Island") to Antry Mylona and Mehmet Birinci (partners in business as well as "partners in life”) winning partnerships exhibit entrepreneurial passion, a unique and solid business idea and a dedication to bringing the communities of Cyprus together for the benefit of the island.

The Award is funded personally by Stelios through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, which is dedicated to the three E's - Education, Entrepreneurship and the Environment.

Commenting on the awards, Stelios said:

“This island and this Award are very close to my heart and I am so pleased to have been able to witness and reward the success of this growing group of entrepreneurs who are making a difference for Cyprus. I am excited to be launching the Award again this year and I encourage potential applicants to meet the Foundation team as well as fellow entrepreneurs and winners at the Networking Event on February 28 at 6pm at the Home for Cooperation in Nicosia’s buffer zone.”

For more information, visit:
www.stelios.com/cyprus-business-cooperation.