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A couple of months ago, Chivas Regal announced the entities who will be representing Central America and the Dominican Republic in the Chivas Global Competition The Venture, where they will be competing against 25 other markets for part of the $1 million dollar fund to empower extraordinary start-ups and create a positive change to help transform the world.
This time around we are bringing you updated information on what has happened in this incredible competition that brings out the best of emerging and existing markets. The 27 new companies around the world competing for a portion of the $1 million in The Venture Chivas were revealed back in March in Oxford. Every pioneer is trying to use innovative ways to create a positive social or environmental change. The impressive group of companies, including Eco Mensajeria from Dominican Republic are now finalists in The Venture, Chivas Regal global search to discover and reward the most promising social entrepreneurs in the world.
This is the second edition of The Venture; last year, Conuco Solar by Raul Aguayo was the start-up company / business idea chosen to represent the Dominican Republic in 2015. In 2016, 2,500 applications were submitted across six continents that address a variety of social and environmental issues with creative and innovative solutions. A finalist will represent each of the 27 participating countries in the final of The Venture in New York City in July where they will have only five minutes to impress the panel of judges with their presentation to win a portion of the funds.
In preparation for their presentation, the finalists traveled to Oxford to participate in a transformation program during the Venture Accelarator Week, created by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship embedded within the famous Saïd Business School, in the University of Oxford. During the intensive five-day course the finalists received leadership training and support in preparation for their pitch in July. The week involved expert trainers and inspirational mentors recruited by the Skoll Centre.
Daniela Papi-Thornton, Deputy Director of the Skoll Centre, commented:
“We’re thrilled to welcome the 27 finalists of The Venture to Oxford, where we hope to provide them with both an unforgettable learning experience, and an invaluable platform on which to build their businesses. We will be offering workshops on a range of topics, from understanding how to measure social impact to methods and best practices for scaling, taught by some of the best minds in social impact education. We are impressed with the diversity of the finalist pool, and are excited to find out more about their businesses.”
Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, added:
“We’re very proud to announce the global finalists of Chivas Regal’s The Venture for the second year. This year, applications to The Venture more than doubled, demonstrating the growing trend towards businesses doing good in the world, and reinforcing Chivas Regal’s ongoing commitment to social enterprise. Our founders were entrepreneurs who gave back to their community, and The Venture is continuing their legacy by discovering and supporting businesses that are committed to redefining the role of business in creating a better future.”
From May 9th to June 13th, the public will be able to support their favorite finalist. Over the course of five weeks, the public’s vote will determine how the first US$250,000 in funding is split among the finalists. The remaining US$750,000 in funding will be awarded at The Venture Final in July in New York City, after a high stakes pitch in front of The Venture judges.
Don’t miss the opportunity to help out one of our own, Eco Mensajería represented by Edison Santos, who carries the slogan, “A Better World in Each Delivery” and focuses on sustainable mobility service, the timely delivery of documents using an electric vehicle that runs on solar energy without CO2 emissions. He has shown in its first 18 months of operations that sustainable mobility is possible in the Dominican Republic, it is exportable and his model of lean social business can expand and be profitable. Let’s all vote! See the website below.
Photos courtesy of Chivas.
About Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a global brand, selling 4.8 million 9L boxes annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin. The portfolio of Chivas Regal is a synonym for style, substance and exclusivity. It consists of Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 years.
The Venture
Is an international fund that provides aspiring social entrepreneurs with $1 million US dollars in financial assistance, global exposure of your business or idea and support from business mentors of international fame. Chivas Regal will support those who want success while making a positive impact in the lives of others through mentoring and financial support.
To learn more about each of the Venture Finalists, visit www.theventure.com
Live with Chivalry
The campaign Chivas “Live with Chivalry” was launched in 2008 and has since inspired the modern gentleman in over 60 countries to succeed the right way.
“Win the Right Way” is the phrase of the campaign Live with Chivalry. It communicates the brand values of Chivas Regal, as they seek to inspire the next generation to succeed while having a positive impact on the lives of others.