The Bicommunal Business Awards, hosted by the Stelios Foundation, celebrate unity and collaboration between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. Each winning venture receives €20,000 in recognition of their innovative contributions to peace and economic prosperity on the island, highlighting the power of joint business ventures in fostering communal success.
What is the significance of the Bicommunal Business Awards celebrated by the Stelios Foundation?
The Bicommunal Business Awards, celebrated by the Stelios Foundation, highlight the importance of collaboration between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. These awards honor joint business ventures that foster unity, innovation, and economic prosperity, offering €20,000 to each winning venture as a recognition of their contribution to peace and communal success on the island.
The Stelios Foundation has once again illuminated the path toward cooperation and communal success. In a recent celebration, they honored ten bicommunal business ventures, all exemplars of unity, with solid wins at the acclaimed Bicommunal Business Awards. Each venture, embodying collaboration between a Greek Cypriot and a Turkish Cypriot, was awarded a significant sum of €20,000—fuel for their continued growth and testament to their innovative spirit.
Spotlight on Innovation and Collaboration
Among the victors, Slimline Frame shone bright. A joint effort by Emre Serdar and Andreas Andreou, their mastery lies in crafting aluminium products that are as durable as they are sleek—windows, doors, and facades that now frame the very essence of Cypriot architecture. Dive Cypria, steered by Burcu Mahmutoglu and Christoforos Psyliides, takes patrons on subaqueous journeys, not just around Cyprus but also to the vibrant depths of the Red Sea.
The tech sphere is represented by SocialTech Lab, where Burak Berk Doluay and Steven Stavrou deploy innovative tools to fuel entrepreneurship and technological advancement. In contrast, Karpasia Products, by Cile Siambis and Eleni Hadjiyianni, delights with traditional Cypriot fare, offering a taste of authenticity with every bite of halloumi or spoonful of honey.
Artisans and Producers: Crafting Excellence
The entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there. Izmer, the brainchild of Arsen Angi and Theodoros Christoforou, takes pride in the manufacture and trade of premium marble, procuring raw materials from notable global sources to create products of unmatched beauty. Colive Oil, by Hasan Siber and Agathokles Agathokleous, is making a splash in the market with its mass-produced, high-quality olive oil.
Artistry is at the heart of ventures like the Traditional Cyprus Chair and MP Violins. The former, under the guidance of Osman Altunoglu and Kostakis Katsiaris, exports the iconic Cypriot chairs worldwide, while the latter, by Arif Cebeci and Michalis Pantelides, crafts and restores violins, each a melodious blend of craftsmanship and history.
Music and Architecture: Harmonizing Spaces and Sounds
Music for Cyprus, led by Zerin Sarp and Nicolas Papageorgiou, harmonizes events across Cyprus by helping people find the perfect musical accompaniment. MCO Enterprises, managed by Fezile Ozatach and Michalis Konstantinou, stands at the intersection of aesthetics and functionality, shaping living spaces with their architectural prowess focused on kitchen designs.
The Stelios Foundation has emphasized the significance of these awards in fostering new partnerships. Each year, the institution’s embrace widens, welcoming fresh collaborations that embody hope and optimism. The spirit of these joint ventures transcends mere business; they are the building blocks of trust between communities, laying the groundwork for economic prosperity and the dream of lasting peace on the island.
What is the aim of the Bicommunal Business Awards hosted by the Stelios Foundation?
The aim of the Bicommunal Business Awards hosted by the Stelios Foundation is to celebrate and recognize joint business ventures between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots that promote unity, innovation, and economic prosperity on the island of Cyprus. Each winning venture receives €20,000 as a symbol of their contribution to peace and communal success.
Can you provide examples of some of the successful bicommunal business ventures that have been honored at the Bicommunal Business Awards?
Certainly! Some examples of successful bicommunal business ventures that have been honored at the Bicommunal Business Awards include Slimline Frame, Dive Cypria, SocialTech Lab, Karpasia Products, Izmer, Colive Oil, Traditional Cyprus Chair, and MP Violins. These ventures showcase innovation, collaboration, and excellence in various industries ranging from technology to artisanal craftsmanship.
How do the Bicommunal Business Awards contribute to fostering unity and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots?
The Bicommunal Business Awards contribute to fostering unity and cooperation between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots by recognizing and rewarding joint business ventures that exemplify collaboration and mutual respect. By highlighting successful partnerships that transcend cultural and political divides, these awards inspire other entrepreneurs to work together for the collective benefit of both communities.
What impact do the Bicommunal Business Awards have on the economic landscape and social fabric of Cyprus?
The Bicommunal Business Awards have a significant impact on the economic landscape and social fabric of Cyprus by promoting cross-cultural understanding, economic prosperity, and sustainable peace. These awards not only showcase the potential of joint business ventures to drive innovation and growth but also serve as a symbol of hope for a harmonious future where Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can thrive together through collaboration and mutual support.
