Stelios Award 2013 applications now open

Applications opened for the Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs for 2013 this week, one of the biggest awards in the UK which celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs who have overcome mobility difficulties to set up successful businesses.

The award is jointly run by Leonard Cheshire Disability and Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and seeks to recognise the achievements of people who have become successful entrepreneurs, despite needing to use such independent-living devices as curved stairlifts every day. The awards are now in their 7^th year, such has been the entrepreneurial success from people of all ages who face mobility issues, and the winner will go on to receive £50,000 at the awards ceremony in London.

Application forms and more information about the Stelios Awards can be found here, or applicants can apply directly over the phone by calling Leonard Cheshire Disability on 0845 671 7173.

Last year's winners, Cyclone Technologies' David Hawkins and Stuart Dunne, managed to use their extensive knowledge of riser recliner chairs and other mobility aids to be able to create their award-winning business idea; mobility and fitness equipment designed specifically for the individual needs of paraplegic users.

Other previous winners have not just made a successful business that should make them proud of themselves, but they have also dedicated their time and efforts towards helping make life easier and more enjoyable for others who share similar situations or mobility issues.

The award is named after Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the founder of budget airline Easyjet, who is a huge advocate of entrepreneurial excellence from all kinds of areas. He says that there are "many highly talented disabled entrepreneurs" in the UK, and that removing the barriers that stand in their way is essential for this to grow. Through the Stelios Award, he hopes that people will be encouraged to keep trying to make business ideas work, whatever difficulties they may face.

The deadline for applications for the 2013 Stelios Award is 25 October 2013 and the awards ceremony will be held later in the year, announcing the winner of the £50,000 grand prize, the largest cash sum of its kind. Many are sure to be looking forward to the awards ceremony in London in the autumn, a celebration of entrepreneurial brilliance as well as being a fantastic platform for showcasing some of the most innovative new mobility solutions.

Image Credit: Policy Network (flickr.com)