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Try the Edge BrowserThe Chivas Venture is back with a bang. With a refreshed format that aims to make a big difference in local communities, the Chivas Venture is no longer a competition. Instead, cultural leaders will work with upcoming young talent to both nurture their skills and provide unique opportunities.
Grassroots community initiatives run by the go-getters of the world will be at the forefront of the new Chivas Venture, with success and generosity blending together as one. Unapologetic go-getters who hustle hard for their success will thrive under the close watch of relevant and local mentors – a process that will kickstart their careers and cultivate a strong sense of social responsibility.
Our vision is to expand this updated Chivas Venture format across multiple countries and work with the go-getters of the world. We’re aiming to drive positive change in local communities, worldwide.
CHIVAS VENTURE x ZAID OSMAN
The first country to pilot the exciting new format is South Africa, with the programme centring around a partnership with Zaid Osman. As the founder of Sneaker Exchange – Africa’s largest youth culture festival – and streetwear brand and movement Grade Africa, Zaid’s knowledge of the industry, dedication to African pride and ambition is unrivalled.
Elevating those around him is of huge importance for Zaid. Alongside his success in the fashion industry, he set up the Grade Africa Foundation with a mission to eliminate extreme poverty and bring opportunities back to Africa.
Instead of finalists competing for funding, under the new format Chivas, Zaid and his team will work with four apprentices to produce and launch A Grade. A nine-piece luxury capsule collection funded entirely by Chivas, creating A Grade will teach the apprentices about sustainable fashion, the industry and far more. Proceeds of the A Grade sales will be donated to Grade Africa Foundation, to give back to the local community and provide more people with the opportunity for success, and also help the apprentices continue their careers.
MEET ZAID AND THE APPRENTICES"I only want to be a part of meaningful things and when the Chivas Venture team reached out to me, it was a no brainer as this is exactly what we as Grade Africa stand for – to empower and upskill local creatives” - Zaid Osman
A GRADE CAPSULE COLLECTION
The A Grade capsule collection provides a unique opportunity for the Chivas Venture apprentices to learn from Zaid, his team, and other experts in the industry. Their training will kick off with a three-week workshop, learning about the landscape of the fashion industry, power of brand marketing, social media, e-commerce, packaging and more.
Sustainability lies at the heart of the collection. Everything will be fully sourced and manufactured in Africa, spotlighting African talent and supporting local employment and communities. In addition, Zaid and the team only work with factories with sustainable fashion at their core.
The collection will launch in Autumn 2021, with proceeds of the sales going towards the Grade Africa Foundation.
To date, the Chivas Venture has given away $6 million in no-strings funding to social start-ups, who have positively impacted over 3.3 million lives in more than 65 countries. This includes providing 34 million litres of safe drinking water to communities, recycling 1,300 tonnes of waste, helping over 2,500 farmers’ families out of poverty and funding over 75,000 days of education for women and girls.
Read the Chivas Venture impact report
