Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has awarded a total of €200,000 to young entrepreneurs in Cyprus during the prestigious 2025 Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs, held at the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation headquarters in Nicosia.
Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The awards, which are now in their third consecutive year, aim to recognise and support the growth of youth entrepreneurship in Cyprus. This year’s event attracted a record number of participants, further solidifying its status as a key platform for innovation and creativity among the island’s young business leaders.
Recognising Outstanding Young Talent
The first prize of €100,000 was awarded to George Chrysostomides for his company, “Shrine,” which focuses on Shopify website creation. The second prize of €60,000 went to Chrystallena Poulli for her plant-based cosmetics firm, “CP Herbalist.” Lastly, the third prize of €40,000 was shared by Harout Chouldjian and Panayiotis Frantzesko for their international online shapewear clothing brand, “Luxmery.”
A Message of Support from Sir Stelios
In a virtual address, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou expressed his admiration for the winners and the new generation of entrepreneurs in Cyprus. He stated, “I feel proud because the Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs are evolving and are now established as an institution that inspires and supports youth entrepreneurship in Cyprus.”
Winners Share Their Aspirations
Upon receiving the top award, George Chrysostomides expressed his gratitude, stating, “I would like to express my gratitude to Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou for the great honour and recognition this award represents.” He emphasised that the €100,000 prize will not be used for his company but will instead be donated to charitable causes and to support young people starting their own ventures.
Chrystallena Poulli, the second-prize winner, highlighted the significance of her award, which she described as “a valuable boost for the future.” She plans to use the €60,000 prize to purchase a machine that will enhance her production capacity while creating jobs in Cyprus.
Harout Chouldjian and Panayiotis Frantzesko, who took home the third prize, conveyed their appreciation, noting, “this award is a special honour.” They intend to invest their winnings in developing talent in Cyprus through their e-commerce aggregator, TCC Ventures.
Support from the Community Leaders
The awards ceremony was graced by the presence of First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, who presented the first prize. In her address, she stated, “these awards are much more than financial support. They are an act of trust in the young people of Cyprus, in their ability to create, innovate, and evolve.” Her words underscored the awards’ role as a catalyst for the next generation of entrepreneurs, contributing to job creation and economic progress in the country.
A Record Year for Young Entrepreneurs
Sir Stelios noted that this year broke previous records with 77 innovative entries, which made selecting the winners particularly challenging. He said, “This is the strongest proof of the new generation’s talent and strength.” The diversity of the start-ups showcased at the awards, which spanned sectors such as digital services, international fashion e-commerce, and plant-based cosmetics, exemplified the creativity and passion driving Cyprus’ entrepreneurial landscape.
Encouragement to Future Participants
Sir Stelios also encouraged all participants, including those who did not win, to continue striving for success. “To those who did not win this year, my message is: try again in 2026,” he remarked, reinforcing his commitment to supporting the younger generation in their entrepreneurial journeys.
As the ceremony concluded, the winners and participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, motivated to take bold steps in their business ventures. The Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs continue to shine a light on the potential of Cyprus’ youth, proving that with determination and innovation, the future holds great promise.
