Eva Longoria part of judging panel at The Venture 2016 competition

Eva Longoria was among a panel that presented five start-up businesses with a share of a $1 million trust fund.

The 41-year-old actress announced the winners of Chivas Regal’s The Venture 2016 prize at their Final Event held at Pier59 Studios in New York on Thursday (07.14.16) and insisted she felt "really inspired" by all of the finalists and proud to be part of the judging panel.

She said: "I was really inspired by the finalists – I’m so grateful there are people in the world who can figure out solutions to complex global problems. We all live in a global community and I absolutely believe social entrepreneurship is the only way we can create positive change. The caliber of the 27 finalists, their business ideas and fresh thinking was amazing."

The brunette beauty was joined by ‘The Daily Show’ presenter Trevor Noah who hosted the event.

Start-up Colombian business Conceptos Plásticos were given the biggest chunk of The Venture fund, receiving a total of $300,000.

Several high-profile entrepreneurs, business leaders and influencers attended the bash and ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ actor Oscar Isaac – who starred in Chivas Regal’s ‘Win The Right Way film’ – attended the ceremony.

Pernod Ricard’s Chairman and CEO, and The Venture judge, Alexandre Ricard, said: "It was truly a privilege to be part of the judging panel and watch the five finalists pitch for the remaining $750,000 of funding. Businesses like Conceptos Plásticos and WeFarm are great examples of how innovative, passionate and forward-thinking the social entrepreneurship movement is. Chivas is proud to support the global community of businesses that are on a mission to make a positive change in the world – I look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in the future."

Eva was nominated to be a judge for the entrepreneurial competition as she is recognized as a savvy businesswoman.