G. Karas: “We support businesses and talented people who want to take the next step”
OPAP, faithful to its commitment to create value for the Greek economy and society, continues for the seventh year the OPAP Forward program, which strengthens entrepreneurship and employment. This year, the program welcomes ten more developing small and medium-sized enterprises from productive and extroverted sectors of the Greek economy. It’s about the companies Dirty Laundry, Mailo’s: The Pasta Project, Organic Village, Provil, Fitness Meals, Vezyroglou Farm, Pharm24, Mastiha Shop, Simply Burgers and ARI Foods.
The new companies of the OPAP Forward program, which is implemented in collaboration with the international non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurship Endeavor Greece, were announced at a special event, which took place on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Also, the companies of the program that have stood out for the their performance, in areas such as creating new jobs and increasing their turnover. The event for the new cycle of the OPAP Forward program was well attended by representatives of the business world, administrative authorities and institutions and the Mass Media.
The CEO of OPAP, Jan Karas, said: “Tonight kicks off the fifth cycle of Greece’s leading entrepreneurship program as we welcome 10 more growing SMEs. OPAP Forward is a key pillar of our Corporate Responsibility strategy, focusing on the critical issues of growth and employment. Overall, our program supports businesses and talented people who want to take the next step. In recent years, Greeks have gone through various crises, but they have shown resilience and prospects for great things. Sometimes, all you need to achieve something great is an opportunity – and that’s exactly what OPAP Forward does.”
The Deputy CEO of OPAP, Odysseus Christoforou, emphasized: “Personally, I believe that a very important element of the program is that we give opportunities to young people – those who will determine the next day of the Greek economy. But what we all need to understand is that the new generation brings new values and priorities to the market. It focuses on technology and seeks innovation, flexibility and digital collaboration tools. It emphasizes social contribution, emphasizing corporate social responsibility, solidarity and ethical entrepreneurship. Businesses, therefore, must adapt to this new environment and listen to the needs and expectations of young people. For us at OPAP, this is a strategic choice. We invest in young people and our goal is a better tomorrow for them.”
THE Markos Veremis, Founding Partner of Big Pi Ventures and Member of the Board of Directors. of Endeavor Greece, commented: “OPAP Forward was designed with the aim of strengthening the innovation and development of promising small and medium-sized companies, as well as the creation of new high-value jobs. Today, in less than seven years, OPAP Forward has become one of the largest business support programs in the country, effectively supporting rapidly growing companies. Around the program, a business community has been created that every year grows in numbers and quality – and that’s something amazing.”
The speaker at the event was Lars Rasmussen, who is the creator of one of the most famous apps in the world, Google Maps. As one of the most successful software engineers internationally, entrepreneur and investor, he emphasized the importance of innovation, adaptability and resistance to challenges. These are the ingredients of successful entrepreneurs who can bring change in any market condition.
New jobs and strong economic performance
The OPAP Forward Corporate Responsibility program started in 2016, in collaboration with Endeavor Greece. With the addition of the 10 new companies, there are currently 69 dynamic and outgoing Greek small and medium enterprises. All of them receive comprehensive guidance through a network of successful entrepreneurs and high-ranking market executives, attend training seminars, participate in networking activities and have access to financing tools, with the aim of strengthening their position in the domestic and international market.
From 2016 to date, participating businesses have achieved significant results. With the support of the OPAP Forward program, they have managed to create 2,260 new direct jobs, while through their partnerships in the market, they support 20,249 new indirect jobs. In addition, within the same period, the companies in the program have increased their turnover by 242 million euros, in total.
The “protagonists” of the OPAP Forward awards
At the special event of the OPAP Forward program, companies already participating in the program were awarded and distinguished for their successful course, in various categories.
The companies and categories in which they were distinguished:
• Increase in Employment| Winning company: Zakcret
• Faster Economic Development | Winning company: Zakcret
• International Development | Winning company: Tyrokomeio Kostarelos
• Active Participation | Winning company: Milkplan
• Offer in the OPAP Forward program | Winning company: Ok! Markets
• Business Excellence I Winning company: Zakcret
Also, an award was given to the mentor who offered the most hours of consulting hours to the participating companies. Specifically, the “Top Mentor” award was awarded to Antonis Kyrkos, Group Transformation and Strategic Planning Director of TITAN company.
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