Chivas ‘The Venture’ Announces 5 finalists in $1million search

Chivas Regal announced 5 finalists from Nigeria in the Venture Search. The Search began in October 2015 to find and support businesses that create both financial value, but even more crucially, meet a defined social need.

The 2015 entries comprised enterprises that tackle a diverse range of social and environmental issues, from a recycling company which redesigns and re-uses empty cartons, to an off-grid power storage system that ensures timely evacuation of farm produce to trading points.

15 semi-finalists were invited to a 2-day boot camp, anchored by Co-Creation Hub, with young entrepreneurs mentored by inspiring industry leaders, prior to pitching to a panel of judges. Moderated by Audu Maikori, renowned social entrepreneur and President of the Chocolate City Group, the 15 semifinalists were soon pruned to 5 finalists.

The winner, expected to emerge next week, will represent Nigeria at the international phase of the competition, expected to feature applicants from 26 countries across 6 continents, battling for a share of the $1million global fund. Only the most promising start-ups from each country will be selected as global finalist, and gain the chance to win a share of the $1m global fund.

However, with the overall quality of entries so high, Femi Longe, Director of Programmes, Co-Creation Hub, confessed that “we are overwhelmed by the caliber of entries. These 5 business ideas represent the best and brightest in Nigeria’s blossoming Social Entrepreneurship future and present the panel of judges with a real challenge on selection of that one distinguished finalist.

It will not be an easy selection”.