International Breweries Empowers 45 Young Entrepreneurs With N60m Grant

International Breweries Plc has awarded grant cheques totalling N60 million to 45 young entrepreneurs at its 2025 awards ceremony, further expanding its decade-long initiative to support MSME development, job creation, and economic inclusion in Nigeria.

The event, which marked the programme’s 10th anniversary, brought together national and state leaders including former Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, First lady of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, government representatives from the Federal Ministries of Industry and Finance, development partners, and business leaders.

The Kickstart Initiative, designed to empower Nigerians aged 18 to 35, provides business training, seed grants and mentorship to help young people start, strengthen, and scale their enterprises. The programme supports young founders across various sectors, including retailing, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, circular packaging (recycling), renewable energy, and other high-growth industries.

Speaking at the ceremony, the managing director of International Breweries, Carlos Coutiño, noted the evolution of the programme over the last decade.

“From a regional pilot operating in a few states, Kickstart has grown into a national entrepreneurial development engine equipping young Nigerians with business skills, seed capital, and mentorship support. Despite economic headwinds, International Breweries continues to invest in building Nigeria’s future,” Coutiño said.

He further highlighted the parent company AB InBev’s long-term commitment to Nigeria in the business, noting its $380 million (N513 billion) investment to strengthen operations and unlock economic opportunities across the value chain.

The former vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, commended the International Breweries Foundation’s Kickstart initiative for its impact and consistency, saying that “for a full decade, you have invested in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial future by providing early-stage funding and support to businesses founded by young people under 35.

“These bright young men and women must be given opportunities to create value, build businesses, and generate jobs. This vibrant youth population holds the potential for a massive development dividend. And this is precisely why Kickstart is so crucial, “ he said.

He also underscored the importance of integrity and trust in building sustainable businesses.

This year’s edition recorded thousands of entries from across the 36 states and the FCT. A total of 476 young entrepreneurs completed rigorous business training through a partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University. A panel of expert judges evaluated the finalists based on innovation, viability, and potential impact.

Also, the chairman of the Advisory Board, International Breweries Foundation, Dr Peter Bamkole, praised the programme’s legacy of community development and inclusive opportunity.

He emphasised Kickstart’s unique inclusivity model, particularly its integration of women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), noting the positive outcomes achieved through partnerships such as the PWD inclusion collaboration with Sightsavers.

This year’s grand prize winner, Oluwadunsin Bolaji, founder of DunsinCraft Collection Limited, received N3 million for her climate-focused recycling enterprise that converts used sachet water packs into fashion accessories. The second grand prize winner, Samuel Adewumi, was awarded in the Retail category for an innovative strategy that drives the retail business.