The Special Young Entrepreneur Award aims to recognize an inspiring young business mind who has created his/her own new, successful business. The award will emphasize the achievements of the young entrepreneur, his/her potential for continued growth through his new business and impact in the business world.

Candidates Nomination Criteria

• Eligible candidates must be under 40 years of age (i.e. born in or after 1987).
• Candidates must be the founders/shareholders of the company.
• The company must be in operation for at least 4 years.
• The company must be based in Cyprus.
• Nominations for this award can be made through the candidates themselves or a third-person.

Selection Criteria

Financial Performance

The candidate company under the nominee’s guidance, should demonstrate consistent and sustainable revenue growth over time, driven by long-term strategy rather than reliance on short-term market trends. It must operate under a robust and resilient business model capable of withstanding market fluctuations and broader economic challenges. Financial performance should reflect stability, scalability, and a clear path toward profitability.

Disruption & Innovation

The young entrepreneur should demonstrate a strong track record of innovation and the ability to challenge established industry practices. The candidate should be at the forefront of their industry, introducing pioneering ideas, innovative products, services, or processes that create meaningful value and have the potential to drive significant change.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

The candidate should demonstrate a clear and compelling strategic vision for the future, together with a well-defined strategy for achieving it.

Community Impact

The candidate and their business should demonstrate a meaningful and measurable positive impact on the community. This may include creating employment opportunities, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and inspiring others through strong leadership and value-driven actions.

The entrepreneur should demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical business practices, sustainability, and social responsibility. This may be reflected through local community engagement, charitable initiatives, mentorship, or programmes that support and empower underserved or disadvantaged groups.

The candidate’s contribution should extend beyond financial performance, reflecting a business philosophy that places value on community development, social responsibility, and long-term collective benefit.