Nigerians with technology innovation and creative on social entrepreneurial ideas have once again been invited by Chivas Regal to compete for its venture capital set for this year.
If participated and win the Nigerian social entrepreneurs will cart away the grand prize of $1 million invested by Chivas Regal to find and support the next generation of start-ups and tech entrepreneurs across the globe.
According to speakers during the media session to herald the 2016/2017of the Chivas The Venture initiative, Nigerians possess what it takes to rule the world of innovation and technology solution to common economic problems beyond the country.
Newswatchnigeria can report that this year’s initiative has begun with search for competent entrepreneurs that want to succeed whilst positively impacting the lives of others.
This follows the recent release of a global report that revealed that 95% of young professionals are looking for businesses to take more responsibility in solving global problems*.
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.
According to Craig Van Niekerk, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, the initiative will give room for new techenpreneurs to emerge in Nigeria.
He 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 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 E.D.C (Enterprise Development Centre) – for this years’ initiative, to find and support promising local social entrepreneurs across all sectors.
Accordisng to Nneka Okekaro from E.D.C the top three participants will pitch their business plans at a finale session to a panel of industry experts chaired by Audu Maikori. The entry has started. There are no limitation any registered enterprise with its return on investrment (ROI) not more than 1.5million dollars is eligible to put it.
According to the Head of the Judges Nigeria, Audu Maikori what the judges will be looking for from the techpreneurs companies that will pitch at the national level, are revolutionary ideas on waste to wealth saying apart from the global competition the initiative is encouraging us as a Nigerian to be solution of our common problems with our business ideas.
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, 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.
