Nicosia, Cyprus. The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 edition of its youth entrepreneurship awards, the ninth consecutive year of the initiative. The awards are held under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides and recognise entrepreneurs under the age of 40 across multiple sectors.
Awards categories
The annual awards will cover commercial businesses, industrial enterprises, services, tourism, shipping, research, innovation and technology, and arts and culture. A new category for 2026 will target young diaspora entrepreneurs in Greece and the United Kingdom.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility extends to self-made entrepreneurs and successors in family businesses, provided they are active in Cyprus for the main categories. The diaspora category applies to those operating in Greece or the United Kingdom.
The term young entrepreneurs includes individuals who have established their own ventures as well as those who have taken over or are leading existing family-run enterprises.
Selection process
Selection will be carried out by a special Keve committee, which will assess candidates based on a detailed set of criteria covering both business performance and wider impact.
Candidates must be under 40 years of age. Additional criteria include corporate and social entrepreneurship, particularly initiatives that promote entrepreneurial thinking and support underprivileged groups.
Evaluation factors
The evaluation process will also consider the recognition and visibility of the individual or their business, as well as creativity and innovation, including unique products, services, methods or strategies.
Further factors include reputation, track record and measurable results, with emphasis on how candidates have contributed to business success while demonstrating social and environmental responsibility.
The committee will also examine leadership and personal contribution, alongside a clearly defined vision and strategic direction for future business development, corporate responsibility and financial performance.