'The Venture stands for profit and social impact' - Maikori, others

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.

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.”

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.

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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."

Chivas Nigeria Senior Brand Manager Lola Ashafa, said, "From inception, the founding fathers of Chivas, John and James Chivas, have always been huge contributors to their communities and why not continue that heritage by coming up with this initiative that helps our social entrepreneurs?"

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

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