International Breweries Plc has launched the 2025 edition of its Kickstart Initiative to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35 years old. The program focuses on priority sectors, including 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 initiative involves a comprehensive process to identify, train, mentor, and fund young entrepreneurs. It starts with a competitive application and screening phase, followed by virtual training in core entrepreneurship courses in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University.
Participants then attend an intensive business boot camp, supported by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), where they refine their business skills through hands-on learning and practical insights. The program concludes with a Pitch-Fest, where finalists present their ideas to a panel of business experts to compete for grant funding and ongoing support.
Kickstart initiative empowers Nigerian youth
In addition to funding, the program offers mentorship opportunities and access to an alumni network. Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director at IBPLC, noted, “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.
To be eligible, applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35, proficient in English, and residing in Nigeria.
Their businesses must either have been in operation for no more than three years or be a strong, viable business idea. The initiative is inclusive of people living with disabilities. Over the past decade, Kickstart has trained more than 1,700 aspiring entrepreneurs and provided seed capital and mentorship to 425 business owners, helping to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs nationwide.
An impressive 80% of supported businesses are still in operation. Applications for the Kickstart Initiative close on June 20, 2025. For full details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the official International Breweries website.