Chivas The Venture returns to Nigeria for second straight year

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

Following a press conference held at the Film House, Lekki, Chivas The Venture 2016/2017 has begun its search for entrepreneurs that want to succeed whilst positively impacting the lives of their communities. 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*.

This initiative provides social 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 including Nigeria, 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, said, “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 Venture to 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.”

Craig Van Niekerk, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria (left) and Olaotan Towry Coker, Founder, Cranium-One

Chivas Regal has partnered with E.D.C (Enterprise Development Centre) – for this years’ initiative, to find and support promising local social entrepreneurs across all sectors. According to the EDC representative, Nneka Okekearu, she promised that this edition would be bigger and better and the selection would be fair.

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 said, “we 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. Nigeria is in a place where we need real, practical solutions to our problems, what solution is your business bringing to your community?”

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

Entrepreneurs from Nigeria interested in Chivas The Venture or 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. Terms and conditions can also be found on the website and participants must be above 25 years old and business entries cannot be related to alcohol or cigarettes.