Andreas and Emre share their experience as Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation winners

Since 2009, the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards for Business Co-operation have been supporting bi-communal entrepreneurship in Cyprus, providing financial assistance to dozens of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

With the total value of the awards reaching €4.8 million, including this year's sum of €410,000, the initiative has played a crucial role in the creation and expansion of bi-communal businesses. Many of these businesses have managed to innovate, establish themselves in the market, and thrive, contributing to the social and economic development of Cyprus.

Among the award winners are Andreas Andreou and Emre Serdar, co-founders of Slimline Frame (www.slimlineframe.com), a company specializing in the manufacturing of aluminum facades, doors, and windows, which are also exported abroad. The two business partners met in 2010 at a trade fair in Germany—an encounter that sparked a strong friendship and later, a successful business partnership.

"Until then, each of us operated separately within our own community, shaped by the emotions and stereotypes that emerged from the tragic events of 1974. At some point, we realized that our financial security and growth could only be achieved through collaboration and exports. So, we decided to combine our knowledge and resources in an effort to design, fabricate and export high end minimal windows," they explain.

The Stelios Bi-Communal Awards prize money became the driving force behind their expansion beyond Cyprus, allowing them to finance their participation in international trade fairs.

"We used the prize money to design and purchase a series of aluminum molds. Essentially, the award provided a crucial liquidity boost at the start of our journey, enabling us to grow as an export company," Andreas and Emre state.

At the same time, the two partners encourage all entrepreneurs from both communities—regardless of age, gender, or background—to take part in the Bi-Communal Awards, emphasizing that the application process is simple but can lead to great business opportunities.

"We consider the Bi-Communal Awards to be the most significant non-governmental initiative in Cyprus, as they foster collaboration between the two communities. This process allows Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to truly understand the value of working together and witness the tangible benefits it brings. We hope that these partnerships will ultimately contribute to the reunification of our island," they emphasize.

Application Process

Applications for the Stelios Bi-Communal Awards 2025 can be submitted until Tuesday, 11 March, 2025. Interested teams can apply by clicking the relevant link on the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation website: www.steliosfoundation.com.cy. After downloading and completing the application, they must send it via email to Marios Missirlis at marios.missirlis@stelios.com.

The prizes will be awarded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the headquarters of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (5 Markou Drakou Street, Nicosia), in the presence of the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.