Chivas “The Venture” returns to Nigeria for 6th Year with $1m Competition for Start-ups

Chivas, has announced the 6th year of the Chivas Venture – a global competition that gives away $1 million in no-strings funding every year to the hottest social startups blending profit and purpose, and having a positive impact on the world.

The competition, which brings to life Chivas’ belief that blended is better – in life, business and Scotch – invites the brightest entrepreneurs across the world, who are using business to change the world for the better. They’ll compete for a chance to win training, funding and exposure on a global scale.

Thanks to the $5 million provided in funding to previous finalists, the Chivas Venture has positively impacted over two million lives to date.

Jean-Christophe Coutures, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, parent company of Chivas, said:

As we kick off the sixth year of the competition, it is incredibly uplifting to know that so many entrepreneurs across the world are continuing to use business to tackle a whole host of social and environmental issues that threaten our future on this planet. To date, Chivas Venture finalists have provided over 34 million litres of safe drinking water, recycled over 1,300 tonnes of waste and provided 75,000 days of education for women and girls – to mention just a handful of their many accomplishments. That’s why, through the Chivas Venture, we want to continue to harness the power of the world’s purpose-driven innovators, and help accelerate their impact.

Winning finalists from each participating country will take part in an initial round of public voting for a share of the funding. The finalists will then battle it out at the Global Final for the remainder of the $1m fund.

Angel Adelaja won the competition in Nigeria in 2016 for her start-up Fresh Direct, and went ahead to represent Nigeria in the world. Chioma Ukonu, of Recycle Points, who won in 2017, went ahead to place second in the world in 2017. Folasade Bamisaye was victorious in 2018, with her start-up MyPeriodKit.

Chivas’ belief in blending – in life, business and Scotch – was instilled by founding brothers James and John Chivas, who pioneered the art of blending whisky in 19th century Scotland, and shared their success with the local community as their business grew.

Today, the Chivas Venture plays a central role in Pernod Ricard’s 2030 Sustainability & Responsibility roadmap – an ambitious set of environmental and social targets supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and aligned to four key areas: nurturing terroir, valuing people, circular making and responsible hosting.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to change the world with your startup, apply for the Chivas Venture 2020 and find out more about why blending profit and purpose is better at www.chivas.com/the-venture.