£50,000 disabled entrepreneur award launched

Leading disability charity Leonard Cheshire and easyGroup Chairman Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou are today launching an annual award for an exceptional disabled entrepreneur.

The 2007 winner of the Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award will be presented with a cheque for £50,000, generously donated by Stelios himself, at the British Chamber of Commerce's prestigious Chamber Awards ceremony at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum 29 November.

Sir Stelios says: "I am very passionate about encouraging an enterprising spirit and decided to work with Leonard Cheshire to set up this award.

“With 50 per cent of disabled adults out of work, helping to remove the barriers disabled people face to being in business is essential. Self employment is the only viable option for many disabled people as it offers flexibility and helps bypass much of the prejudice that sadly still exists in the workplace.

“I look forward to seeing the best of the entries and handing over this significant amount of money to a very deserving winner."

Disabled entrepreneurs wishing to apply need to demonstrate how the prize money would make a major difference to their business.

Six finalists will be shortlisted and on the night of the awards ceremony the winner will be personally given the cheque by Sir Stelios.

Disabled people interested in applying can find out more information by visiting www.disabledentrepreneur.org. The deadline for applications is 14 September.

Director General Bryan Dutton says: “Sir Stelios’ award scheme will give a huge financial boost every year to one disabled entrepreneur allowing them the vital head start that all new businesses need.”