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£50,000 disabled entrepreneur award launched

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, donated by Stelios himself, at the British Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Awards ceremony at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum on 29 November.

Sir Stelios said: “I am very passionate about encouraging an enterprising spirit and decided to work with Leonard Cheshire to set up this award. With 50% 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 presented with 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.

Bryan Dutton, Director General of Leonard Cheshire, said: “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.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .