Chivas ‘The Venture’ $1 Million Search to Fund Start-ups Competition Returns to Nigeria for the Second Year

L-R: Lola Ashafa( Senior Brand Manager, Prestige at Pernod Ricard Nigeria), Audu Maikori ( CEO, Chocolate City Group), Nneka Okekearu ( Deputy Director, EDC – Enterpreneur Development Center), Bayo Rotimi (CEO at Quest Ad)

• Chivas Regal gives social entrepreneurs the opportunity to win a share of $1 million in financial investment through The Venture initiative
• 95% of young professionals are looking for businesses to take more responsibility in solving global problems*
• Nigeria’s The Venture 2016/2017 winner will take part in an Accelerator Week programme and represent Nigeria at The Venture final event in the USA, July 2017

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 12th October, Chivas The Venture 2016/2017 has begun its search for entrepreneurs that want to succeed whilst positively impacting the lives of others.

Chivas hosted a launch event to engage key media around the country and kick of the 2017/2018 competition here in Nigeria.  The event was also a networking session for guests in the startup and investment community as well as the social enterprise space.

Chivas The Venture 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 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.

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

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 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.”

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.

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 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.

See photos from the press conference below:

Angel Adelaja ( Winner, Chivas The Venture Nigeria 2016/2017)

Audu Maikori

Angel Adelaja ( Last year’s winner, Angel Adelaja) and Audu Maikori

Ayodeji Rotinwa and Samuel Odesanmi

L-R- Samuel Odesanmi( Brand Manager, Chivas), Lola Ashafa ( Senior Brand Manager Prestige, Pernod Ricard)

Onyeka Akumah ( Founder Travelbeta)

Press conference attendants

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