It is no longer sufficient for entrepreneurs and disruptors to just solve a problem or provide top-notch services. Today, consumers expect more brands to empower them, help them do things in new and better ways. They want entrepreneurs to give back more to the society while gaining success.

Bearing this in mind, Chivas, a global whisky brand renowned for style, substance and its exclusivity, and committed to using personal business success to support the community, has in partnership with Co-Creation Hub extend participation in Chivas’ The Venture to include social enterprises and start-ups from Nigeria.

Launched in 2014, The Venture is Chivas Regal’s global search to find and support the most promising aspiring social entrepreneurs who want to succeed whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. With over $1 million in funding and resources, The Venture will enable social entrepreneurs from around the world realise their potential and gain exposure for their business.

The Venture is open to any for-profit start-up that creates both financial value and a positive impact on the lives of others. Last year’s maiden edition witnessed the participation of 16 countries and more than a thousand startups around the globe with a Columbian enterprise that turns waste materials into stylish furniture and some other society-rewarding businesses being awarded the prize money.

This year’s edition will be bigger with 25 countries including Nigeria, Poland, Panama and Peru expected to participate. Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, Mr Sola Oke at a recent briefing said,

“We’re excited to announce the launch of The Venture and can’t wait to discover aspiring entrepreneurs across Nigeria. Whether your business focuses on technology, agriculture, healthcare, food or the environment, we want to hear about it.”

Chivas Regal in partnership with Co-Creation Hub will reach out to social entrepreneurs across all fields, and identify exciting business ideas through three main stages of competition with a shortlist of 15 expected to make it to the Semifinal Boot-Camp after an open assessment process chaired by renowned social entrepreneur, Audu Maikori. A final cut down to 5 will make it to the Finals with a winner expected to emerge in December 2015. The Winner then proceeds to the international stage of the competition, to engage with finalists from other parts of the world.

Here are some features that stand The Venture out:

• Chivas will take no equity from the startups.
• Chivas exercises no control on the way funds are spent by successful social entrepreneurs.
• Chivas will continue to remain in contact with all social entrepreneur finalists who take part in The Venture even if they do not emerge as the eventual winners.

To enter The Venture, aspiring social entrepreneurs should visit https://www.theventure.com/global/en to submit their application.