If you’re an early-stage entrepreneur building a business anywhere on the island of Ireland, it is time to enter the 2026 Stelios North-South Business Cooperation Awards.
Now in its second year, applications are now open for the prestigious initiative which has a total prize fund of €500,000.
The awards, supported by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, were created by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easyGroup and the easy family of brands (including easyHistory.info).
The Stelios Awards recognise and reward entrepreneurs who are building stronger business links across the island of Ireland.
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Now in their second year, the awards, which are run in partnership with the all-island peace-building organisation Co-operation Ireland, celebrate businesses that are advancing lasting peace, economic cooperation and prosperity through cross-Border entrepreneurship.
In total €500,0000 in cash prizes is available to be won by 18 entrepreneurs, including a gold award worth €150,000; two silver awards worth €100,000 each and six bronze awards, worth €25,000 each.
Entry is open to companies registered either in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland that are actively trading on both sides of the Border.
Applicants must have incorporated in 2020 or later and have a minimum annual turnover of €200,000 (£160,000). Businesses must also employ at least three staff members in addition to the owner.
Preference will be given to applications involving two companies collaborating on a joint cross-Border business activity, although individual businesses can also apply if they can clearly demonstrate significant commercial activity and customers in both markets.
Importantly, entrepreneurs must own at least 50 per cent of their company, ensuring the awards remain focused on founder-led businesses.
The deadline for applications is September 7th, 2026, with the awards ceremony taking place on October 28th at Castle Leslie Estate, in Co Monaghan.
Inaugural winners
The return of the programme follows a strong first year, with dozens of businesses from across the island competing for funding and recognition.
At the inaugural winners’ ceremony in October 2025, Sir Stelios awarded €500,000 to entrepreneurs spanning sectors including renewable energy, medtech, robotics, food and retail.
Top prize went to Sam Shephard of Juice Jar, who received a €150,000 cash grant to support the growth of his company.
Silver awards, worth €100,000, went to Barry Sherry and Declan McDonald of ACEL Energy and to Gráinne Mullins of Gra Chocolates and Louise Doyle of needi, a joint application.
Bronze awardees received €25,0000 each, with winning companies spanning everything from agri-tech to pharmaceuticals.
The winners were selected out of 49 applicants and went through a three-stage selection process, which included an interview with Sir Stelios.
On making the awards, Sir Stelios said the winners being honoured showed “that when determination, innovation and creativity meet, borders become bridges”.
“These entrepreneurs are not only building successful businesses – they are proving that collaboration across communities leads to prosperity for all.”
Organisers believe the success of last year’s awards demonstrated both the scale of entrepreneurial ambition on the island and the growing commercial opportunities being created through cross-Border cooperation.
The awards are about much more than financial recognition.
“Businesses working together across borders create jobs, build trust and contribute to stronger and more connected communities,” said Sir Stelios at the launch of this year’s programme.
Sir Stelios has a strong connection to Ireland through his partner Orla Murphy, who is from Kerry.
The initiative here is inspired by similar programmes supported by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in Cyprus, where business awards have helped foster cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs for more than 17 years.
Enterprise for peace and prosperity
Co-operation Ireland has once again partnered with the awards this year and believes they can play an important role in supporting both economic growth and stronger relationships between communities.
Ian Jeffers, chief executive of Co-operation Ireland, said that cross-Border business partnerships are vital in promoting peace, prosperity and shared understanding. The awards recognise the economic and social value generated when entrepreneurs work together across the island, he added.
“If you are fortunate to get shortlisted, you’re probably at the very least going to have a conversation with Sir Stelios himself, because he will want to ask about your business. He takes a personal, hands-on interest in the awards,” says Jeffers.
“The opportunity to engage with somebody like Sir Stelios and have that conversation is almost like having a one-to-one coaching session and well worth doing because his entrepreneurship is just phenomenal.”
For early-stage businesses, the cash injection on offer is of particular value as it may mean the entrepreneur doesn’t have to borrow from a bank, paying interest, or secure investment, diluting equity.
“This is a cash prize with no strings attached,” said Jeffers.
Increased opportunities
“In Co-operation Ireland, we work right across the public, private, community and voluntary sectors, and everything we do is about bringing people together so that peace can prosper,” says Jeffers.
“What the Stelios Foundation is doing is fantastic because it helps to fill the gap on the business side of things, giving an opportunity for businesses as well.”
Post Brexit, cross-Border trade has become more important than ever as a lever for economic growth.
“For businesses in the South there is that opportunity to have a foothold in their next nearest market, the UK. For businesses in the north there is that opportunity to have a foothold in the EU,” he added.
“I would encourage all fledging businesses to apply. It’s not a complex competition to enter, just a couple of pages to fill out online. So have a go, fill out that application form, and get it in for a chance at what is a serious prize.”
Applications from eligible businesses are now being accepted for the 2026 Stelios North-South Business Cooperation Awards. The deadline for applications is September 7th, 2026. Full details and entry forms are available at stelios.ie and stelios.foundation.
