$1 million global startup competition returns to Nigeria for 2nd edition

dayo adesanya

October 12, 2016 5:23 PM

The press conference held at the Film House, IMAX Lekki on Wednesday October 12, 2016.

Senior Brand manager, Pernord Ricard; Lola Ashafa, Founder and president of the Chocolate City Entertainment, Audu Maikori, Nneka Okekearu, Deputy Director, Experienced Strategy, EDC and Bayo Rotimi, CEO at Quest Advisory Services Limited

Global startup competition, Chivas The Venture holds press conference for the second edition on Wednesday October 12, 2016 at the Film House, IMAX Lekki.

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

The 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 six 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.

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.

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.

dayo adesanya