In the context of the event, the impressive results achieved by OPAP Forward’s businesses were presented
Pioneering small and medium enterprises were at the center of the special event organized by OPAP, on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, to launch the sixth cycle of the OPAP Forward entrepreneurship program and to award companies that are already participating in it and stood out for their performance.
In particular, OPAP Forward, which has been a key pillar of OPAP’s corporate responsibility strategy since 2016, welcomed 13 new, dynamic small and medium enterprises. At the same time, special awards were given to the companies in the program that have distinguished themselves in critical areas, such as creating new jobs and increasing their turnover.
The thirteen new companies, which are part of the sixth cycle of the OPAP Forward program, cover a wide range of dynamic sectors, in which Greek companies have a competitive advantage. It’s about the companies AgroApps, Archive, Callista, Alati Dadakaridis, Fresh Line, Goumenisses, Ideal Bikes, KYKNOS, Nutree, Prigipo, SKAG, Softweb and Unismack.
Also, as part of the event, the impressive results achieved by OPAP Forward’s businesses were presented. With the support of OPAP and the international non-profit organization Endeavor Greece, the participating companies have managed, to date, to create 2,847 new direct jobs, while supporting 23,000 new indirect jobs, through their partnerships in the market. In addition, they have increased their turnover by 470 million euros in total.
Speaking about the philosophy and results of OPAP Forward, Mr CEO of OPAP, Mr. Jan Karas, commented: “The best way to predict the future is to create it… And this is exactly what we are attempting through OPAP Forward. We support dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises that want to “build” their future… We stand by them, offering necessary tools, know-how and opportunities, so that they can take advantage of their prospects, grow and create new jobs, for the benefit of the economy and society… At OPAP, we are proud of this program, as it reflects our vision to offer to Greek society… The results, after all, speak for themselves.”
On his part, Mr Deputy CEO of OPAP, Mr. Odysseas Christoforou, spoke about the new companies in the program, emphasizing: “Tonight, we welcome 13 new companies to the OPAP Forward family. Our ambition is to help them develop, strengthen their extroversion and create new jobs… The new companies in the program cover a wide range of dynamic and competitive sectors, utilize new technologies and innovations and come from different parts of Greece, outside of of major urban centers… Also, more than half have women in their leadership, as part of our commitment to support women’s entrepreneurship.”
THE Markos Veremis, Partner of Big Pi Ventures and Member of the Board. of Endeavor Greecediscussed on stage with Costas Mallio, Corporate Vice President CSD, EUROPE of Applied Materials, about entrepreneurship in Greece and internationally. The two speakers pointed out the high level of the companies participating in the OPAP Forward program, noting the impressive development of Greek business in recent years. They also emphasized that the quality of business is the best indicator of a country’s health. In addition, they emphasized the need to take risks and the close connection of businesses with their customers, while highlighting inclusion and diversity as key ingredients for success. At the same time, they underlined how important it is for Greek businesses to have their eyes on the global market and dare to take the big step to expand abroad.
OPAP Forward companies that stood out for their performance
The OPAP Forward awards were received by small and medium enterprises, which already participate in the program and were distinguished for their successful course, in various categories. It is noted that the companies awarded this year joined the program in 2020, during one of the most difficult periods for entrepreneurship, as it coincided with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
The companies and categories in which they were distinguished:
• Business Excellence | Winning company: Vitex
• Creation of new jobs | Winning company: Lariplast
• Faster economic growth Winning company: BIOZOKAT
• Top Export activity | Winning company: Vitex
• Active Participation | Winning company: Anna Maria Mazaraki
• Offer to the OPAP Forward I program Winning company: Vitex
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 Eleni Bathianaki, Managing Partner at Halcyon Equity Partners.
Source: Skai
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