11th November 2011
Stelios Haji-Ioannou - founder of easyJet, Chairman of easyGroup and serial entrepreneur - announced the winner of the Stelios Award for Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Greece - 2011.
The 50,000EU prize, was presented by Stelios himself at the prestigious Kouros Awards ceremony sponsored by the Entrepreneurship Association of Athens, was awarded to Penny & Maria Vlachou of Fereikos - Helix based in Corinth, with 8 employees - is offering development and support to the burgeoning snail-breeding community. With an impressive revenue stream to-date and important entrepreneurial moves, Fereikos - Helix promises to be an example of forward-thinking entrepreneurship in Greece.
While Greece has a proud history of business dynasties, it is less well known for small entrepreneurial businesses - particularly those entrepreneurs starting at any early age, as Stelios himself did with the founding of easyJet when he was 28 years old.
Commenting on the awards, Stelios said:
"In as difficult times as these, it becomes even more important for promising entrepreneurs with innovative business platforms to have access to funding. When I was 28, I was fortunate enough to have my father's support when I made my first entrepreneurial move. I want to provide that same support to today's young entrepreneurs."
"Fereikos - Helix is an excellent example of out-of-the-box thinking, a sound business strategy and the passion and willingness to take a risk that defines every entrepreneur. Their company has increased the number of snail-breeding units from 70 to 154 since last year, creating 200 new jobs. I hope that - in time – Penny & Maria Vlachou will prove to be important role models for future generations of entrepreneurs. I'm confident that the €50,000 will be going to a good home."
Congratulations to the Fereikos - Helix team!
Media Coverage
26th November 2011 - Alpha TV - Greek Video
25th November 2011 - Naftemporiki - Greek text
25th November 2011 - Kerdos - Greek text
27th November 2011 - Proto Thema - Greek text
Event Gallery
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