AwakenHub × Stelios Foundation: €500,000 North–South Business Cooperation Awards
Live Online Information Session & Q&A
Cross-border entrepreneurship is at the heart of innovation on the island of Ireland. This September, AwakenHub invites founders and business leaders to a special online information session introducing the Stelios North–South Business Cooperation Awards—with a total prize fund of €500,000 in cash prizes.
Hosted by AwakenHub CEO Clare McGee, the event will feature contributions from Daniel Mulhall (former Irish Ambassador to the US, UK, Germany and Malaysia) and Lorraine Higgins of Rockwood PR, which advises the Stelios Foundation. Together, they will explain the Awards in detail and answer your questions directly.
Pictured at the launch of the North-South Business Cooperation Awards at Monaghan Peace Campus were (L-R): Ian Jeffers, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland, Tracy Ghori, Co-ordinator at the Stelios Foundation, Daniel Mulhall, Former Irish Ambassador to the US, UK, Germany and Malaysia and William Haire, Advisor to the Stelios Foundation.
Why attend?
The Stelios North–South Business Cooperation Awards celebrate and reward entrepreneurs whose ventures bridge Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
€500,000 in prizes across gold, silver and bronze categories.
Recognition for businesses advancing innovation, job creation and lasting cooperation.
Tangible support for founders ready to scale their impact across the island.
This is more than a funding opportunity—it is an investment in a shared entrepreneurial future.
About the initiative
The Awards are inspired by similar programmes in Cyprus, Greece and the UK, and form part of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation’s mission to give back in places where Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family have lived and worked.
Run in partnership with Cooperation Ireland, a leading peace-building charity operating across the island, the initiative reinforces the belief that entrepreneurship can be a powerful driver of collaboration and prosperity.
What you will learn in the session
Participants in the online information session will gain:
A clear overview of eligibility, assessment criteria and deadlines.
Insights on how to strengthen a cross-border proposition.
Practical tips for crafting a standout application.
The chance to ask questions directly in a live Q&A with Clare, Daniel and Lorraine.
Seats are limited, so early registration is strongly recommended.
👉 Register now to secure your place
👉 Download the application form: stelios.ie | stelios.foundation
Essential details for applicants
Application deadline: Tuesday 16 September 2025, 5:00pm (local time).
How to apply: Download the application form and submit by email to maya.turnbull@stelios.com.
Awards ceremony: 30 October 2025, Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan.
Prize fund:
1 Gold Award – €150,000
2 Silver Awards – €100,000 each
6 Bronze Awards – €25,000 each
Eligibility criteria
Each company must:
Be preferably registered in both jurisdictions (CRO.ie in Ireland and Companies House in Northern Ireland).
Be incorporated in the last five years (2019 or later).
Have a founder or shareholder with at least 50% ownership.
Be engaged in a joint cross-border business activity across any sector.
Have a minimum annual turnover of €200,000 / £160,000 and employ at least three staff (excluding the owner).
Alternatively, companies operating alone may apply if they can demonstrate significant cross-border economic activity, including an established customer base in both markets.
Do not miss this opportunity
This is a rare chance to gain both recognition and financial support for cross-border entrepreneurship. With €500,000 on offer, the Stelios North–South Business Cooperation Awards promise to be a defining moment for founders ready to grow across the island of Ireland.
👉 Secure your seat for the live information session and Q&A today.
✨ At AwakenHub, we are proud to champion women entrepreneurs and all-island collaboration. We look forward to welcoming you to this landmark event.
