Chivas Regal has launched Chivas Venture 2018, a global competition that supports social enterprises that was launched in 2014. Last year, Kenyan startup Sanivation was named as a finalist in Kenya and represented Kenya in the global finals.
Over 6,000 social entrepreneurs have applied to the competition since inception. The competition gives the entrepreneurs a chance to share in the annual $1 million fund. This year, 29 countries from 5 continents will take part in the competition.
1 winner will be selected from each country and given the chance to take part in an Accelerator Programme. The first $200,000 of the fund will be distributed based on the number of votes received during a three-week online voting period. The finalist who will get the most votes will receive $50k, the next 4 runners-up will each receive $20k, and the remaining $70k (of the original $200,000) will be split equally amongst the remaining finalists. At the Chivas Venture Final pitch event, each finalist will have a chance to pitch for a share of the remaining $800,000 in front of an expert judging panel.
To be eligible to enter, a business must have revenue of below Ksh. 1.5B (US$ 1.5 million) between 1st September 2016 to 1st September 2017. Entries are accepted of businesses at Seed stage, Start-up stage and Growth stage. Find the complete terms & conditions here.
Kenyan social enterprises can apply for Chivas Venture 2018 here chivas.com/ke between 4th September 2017 until 30th October 2017. The Kenyan winner will be announced on 28th January 2018.