2nd Chivas The Venture $1M Global Startup Competition Launches in Nigeria

Chivas Regal has announced that The Venture – a global search to find and support the next generation of startups – has returned to Nigeria for the second year.

Following a press conference held at the Film House, Lekki on Wednesday, ChivasThe Venture 2016/2017 has begun its search for entrepreneurs that want to succeed whilst positively impacting the lives of others.

The launch follows the recent release of a global report that revealed 95% of young professionals are looking for businesses to take more responsibility in solving global problems*.

Chivas The Venture initiativeprovidessocial entrepreneurs with the opportunity to compete for a share of $1 million in financial investment, invaluable contacts and global exposure of their company as well as mentorship from world-famous business leaders.

This year, 32 countries across 6 continents will be taking part and applications will be accepted from any for-profit-startup that creates both financial value and a positive impact on the lives of others.

Craig Van Niekerk, marketing director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, commented: “A new breed of entrepreneur is emerging in Nigeria; one that uses business ideas to succeed whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. Chivas Regal launched The Ventureto offer significant resources to help drive and support the social entrepreneurship movement worldwide and in Nigeria.We are thrilled to be back again this year to connect with local social enterprises and give them the opportunity to develop and grow their businesses.”

Chivas Regal has partnered with Enterprise Development Centre (E.D.C) for this years’ initiative, to find and support promising local social entrepreneurs across all sectors.

The top three participants will pitch their business plans at a finale session to a panel of industry experts chaired by Audu Maikori.

On his successful relationship with the brand, Maikori stated “Chivas and I share the same values – the belief that businesses must have a purpose beyond profit. It is therefore an absolute honour to be back again as a judge, to find like-minded individuals who are not only successful within their own rights but sharing their success with their communities. This is profit with purpose,” he added.

The winnerwill join the other 32 participants across the world in an Accelerator Week programme in Oxford, UKand will represent Nigeria at The Venture final event in the USA, July 2017.

Entrepreneurs from Nigeria interested in ChivasThe Ventureor want to find out more about the impact the competition is already making across the world, should visit www.theventure.com.

Application entries open on October 12, 2016 and closes November 16, 2016.

With over $1 million in funding and resources, The Venture is Chivas’ global search to find and support the next generation of startups that want to succeed whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Chivas’ The Venture inspires social entrepreneurs and those seeking positive change from around the world to pursue their ambitions and realise their potential.

Chivas calls on people across the world to share success and join the global community of businesses that are creating a better future - after all, it's what we do today that will change tomorrow.

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity.

A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others.

The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend.

In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks.

In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon.