Abuja, Nigeria – International Breweries Plc has unveiled the 2025 edition of its Kickstart Initiative, designed to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit among young Nigerians. Targeting individuals aged 18 to 35, the program emphasizes sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, circular packaging, recycling, and retail.
Dr. Peter Bamkole, Chairman of the Advisory Board at International Breweries Foundation, stated, “We believe Nigeria’s economic transformation lies with its young entrepreneurs. Kickstart continues to make a meaningful impact by reducing unemployment and promoting inclusive growth.” The comprehensive initiative aims to identify, train, mentor, and fund budding entrepreneurs, beginning with a competitive application and screening process.
Participants will first undergo virtual training in fundamental entrepreneurship, conducted in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. This is followed by an intensive business boot camp, facilitated by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), where they will refine their business skills through practical, hands-on experiences.
The program culminates in a Pitch-Fest, where finalists will present their innovative ideas to a panel of business experts for a chance to secure grant funding and ongoing support. In addition to financial assistance, the program provides mentorship opportunities and access to a robust alumni network. Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director at IBPLC, emphasized, “By investing in the ideas and energy of our youth, we are sowing the seeds of long-term prosperity. Over the years, we have seen beneficiaries grow from small startups to employers of labor.”
Eligible applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35, proficient in English, and residing in Nigeria. Businesses must be either operational for no more than three years or constitute a strong, viable idea. Notably, the initiative is inclusive of people living with disabilities. Over the past decade, Kickstart has trained more than 1,700 aspiring entrepreneurs, providing seed capital and mentorship to 425 business owners, thereby creating thousands of jobs nationwide. Impressively, 80% of supported businesses remain active.
Applications for the Kickstart Initiative close on June 20, 2025. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, interested individuals can visit the official International Breweries website.
