€20,000 top prize to be awarded to the world’s most entrepreneurial bar professional

Havana Club, the only 100% authentic Cuban rum available globally, is once again looking to shine a light on the bar industry’s risk-takers and visionaries as nominations open for the Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur Awards 2020.

Following what has been one of the most challenging periods for the international bar community, in the wake of Covid-19, Havana Club is celebrating entrepreneurs who have worked tirelessly to make their dream a reality and support their teams through turbulent times. The winning entrepreneur will be crowned the Bar Entrepreneur of the Year and will receive a €20,000 tailored PR package to enhance their profile within the global drinks and business communities.

Between now and July 31^st Havana Club is calling for all bar entrepreneurs across the globe, or those who know one, to submit their nomination online by outlining the inspirational stories behind the world’s most vibrant and forward-thinking bars. Havana Club’s panel of distinguished judges will narrow down the entries to just 10 finalists who will each have to demonstrate their passion and entrepreneurial spirit in a bid to be crowned Entrepreneur of the Year.

“The winner will be a commercially successful bar owner and adventurous visionary who is defining the way people socialise and experience drinks today,” explains Nick Blacknell, International Marketing Director of Havana Club.

In addition to the overall winner, the judging panel will award three €10,000 tailored prize packages to entrepreneurs deserving special recognition. Categories for special recognition awards include:  the One to Watch, for emerging talent under the age of 30, Social and Eco Entrepreneurship for the entrepreneur who demonstrates a commitment to improving the environment and the True Grit Award for the entrepreneur who has displayed resilience and successfully navigated the challenges of the Coronavirus outbreak.

All shortlisted winners will receive a VIP trip to Cuba, the home of Havana Club, where they will immerse themselves in Cuban culture and have the opportunity to meet and learn from other world-renowned bar owners.

Blacknell adds: “I am proud of Havana Club’s commitment to supporting bar owners and am looking forward to hearing the inspirational stories of our 2020 nominees. The Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur Awards is an opportunity for us to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into running the world’s most successful bars, as well as offering them a great opportunity to expand their knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit even further.”

Last year’s winner, Carina Soto Velasquez, impressed judges with her passion and creativity in shaking up the Paris bar scene through the launch of Quixotic Projects.

Reflecting on what it takes to become the Havana Club Bar Entrepreneur of the Year, Velasquez explains: “To be a bar entrepreneur it is important to create a sense of leadership. To be able to promote not only your bar but also attract your staff and be financially conscious. I would nominate someone who has created a network or has been an influential person in their community, either promoting gender equality or sustainability or creating new programmes for bartender’s health, something that is a little more beyond entrepreneurship.”

For more information on how to submit your nomination, or to nominate a bartender who deserves it, visit: www.bar-entrepreneur-awards.com