ATHENS – For the second consecutive year, The Hellenic Initiative (THI) is actively supporting Greek youth entrepreneurship through the Venture Impact Awards (VIA), a program that last year offered cash prizes with total value of $250,000 to 14 organizations with measurable impact on society. This financial and moral support is more important than ever, with the inevitable effect of the pandemic on entrepreneurship and growth efforts in the country.

During last year’s awards, a number of notable and socially impactful organizations such as Enaleia, Wise Greece, Impact Hub Athens, Elektronio, Apiceuticals were recognized, honored and benefited from THI’s newest program, aimed at providing support to Greece’s brightest and most talented teams.

Companies, social enterprises, NGOs, cooperatives and other organizations from the for-profit and nonprofit worlds are welcome to submit their proposals and apply to the VIA. Award winners will be selected based not only on their ability to generate financial returns, but also on how through their mission, they showcase human, social or environmental impact while fostering collaboration among different stakeholders and promoting innovation. VIA is the latest addition to other THI programs like Envolve Greece, Venture Garden, and the Athens Venture Fair, which have worked with high-growth startups since 2012, helping them raise capital, be mentored by experienced executives, and expand their markets.

The awards were established with the support of the Helidoni Foundation and The Charles C. Condes Trust and will be presented at a dedicated event at the end of the year.

All interested parties can now apply to the Venture Impact Awards until October 15 at https://ventureimpactaward.com/application/.

Dimitri Georgakopoulos, Founder of the Helidoni Foundation and THI Board Member, stated: “THI, always committed to its mission, despite the pandemic, managed to showcase its support for Greek innovation and entrepreneurship by establishing the VIA in 2020. After their successful completion last year, we are pleased to announce that applications are now open again. We are looking forward to reviewing this year’s candidates and we are confident that as last year we are going to be truly inspired by their actions and missions.”

Harriette Condes Zervakis, representative of The Charles C. Condes Trust, said: “We are happy to be working together with The Hellenic Initiative and the Helidoni Foundation in this amazing project that actively supports fresh innovative ideas of young Greek entrepreneurs that are jump starting the Greek economy. Through our contribution we aim to honor Charles C. Condes’ legacy.”

George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, mentioned that “behind every great organization there are passionate people who struggle each day to do their best for themselves and those around them. Our intention is not only to thank them, but to actively support them in their journey both financially and morally. Our belief is that with our help, they will have the resources to grow and create more positive impact in the Greek society.”

The Hellenic Initiative’s mission is investing in the future of Greece through direct philanthropy and economic revitalization. THI empowers people to provide crisis relief, encourage entrepreneurs, and create jobs.

More information is available online: thehellenicinitiative.org

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