Established by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easyGroup, creator and owner of the easy family of brands, Europe’s most famous value brand, including easyJet and easyHotel, and supported by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, these prestigious Awards recognise and reward entrepreneurs who are building stronger business links across the island of Ireland.
Now in their second year, the Awards, in partnership with Co-operation Ireland, celebrate businesses that are advancing lasting peace, economic cooperation and prosperity through cross-border entrepreneurship.
💶 €500,000 in cash prizes is available to be won by 18 entrepreneurs, including:
🏆 1 Gold Award – €150,000
🥈 2 Silver Awards – €100,000 each
🥉 6 Bronze Awards – €25,000 each
Who can apply?
✅ Start-up companies incorporated within the last 5 years (2020 or later)
✅ The entrepreneur must own at least 50% of the business
✅ Employ at least 3 staff members (excluding the owner)
✅ Annual turnover of at least €200,000 / £160,000
✅ Companies must be active on both sides of the Irish border, with significant cross-border business activity and a customer base in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
🤝 Preference will be given to applications involving two companies working together on a joint cross-border business activity, across any sector of the economy. However, single-company applications are also welcome where the applicant can demonstrate significant cross-border business activity.
📅 Application deadline: 7 September 2026
📍 Awards Ceremony: 28 October 2026 at Castle Leslie Estate | B Corp
Co. Monaghan
Apply today: https://lnkd.in/dFjxNHte
If your business is creating commercial opportunities across the border and helping to strengthen economic cooperation on the island of Ireland, we encourage you to apply.