IBPLC To Empower Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs

International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) has launched its 2025 edition of its flagship Kickstart Initiative aimed at empowering young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

The announcement marks the 10th year anniversary of the programme’s impactful journey. Through the company’s CSR arm: International Breweries Foundation, IBPLC has opened the call for applications for Kickstart 2025, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

Speaking on the significance of the programme, chairman of the Advisory Board at the International Breweries Foundation, Dr. Peter Bamkole emphasized the critical role of young entrepreneurs in driving economic transformation.

“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.

“We are looking for passionate, resilient individuals ready to grow their businesses, whether in agriculture, recycling, retail, or renewable energy. This is a chance to access the knowledge, network, and funding needed to succeed,” he said.

Speaking on the programme’s 2025 approach, corporate affairs and regulatory director at IBPLC, Temitope Oguntokun, said, “Kickstart represents our unwavering commitment to support the building of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.

“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 labour – these myriads of lives that have been transformed is our return on investment and we are excited to welcome the next generation of changemakers in 2025.”

The 2025 edition is structured as a comprehensive entrepreneurial journey from selection to receiving of startup grants. The process begins with a competitive application and screening phase, followed by virtual training in core entrepreneurship courses, delivered in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. Participants will then advance to an intensive business bootcamp, delivered with the support of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), where they will refine their business skills through hands-on learning and practical insights.

Over the past decade, Kickstart has trained more than 1,700 aspiring entrepreneurs, with 425 business owners who received seed capital and mentorship. The programme has helped create thousands of direct and indirect jobs nationwide, with an impressive 80 per cent of supported businesses still in operation based on results from the impact assessment of the project

Kickstart is a corporate social investment programme designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund young Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. The initiative targets priority sectors driving growth and innovation, including retail, agriculture (rice, maize, and sorghum), renewable energy, circular packaging, recycling, and other viable micro and small-scale businesses.