International Breweries Plc has launched the 2025 edition of its Kickstart Initiative. The program aims to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35. It focuses on priority sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, circular packaging, recycling, and retail.
Dr. Peter Bamkole, Chairman of the Advisory Board at International Breweries Foundation, said, “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 aims to identify, train, mentor, and fund young entrepreneurs.
It starts with a competitive application and screening phase. Successful applicants will receive virtual training in core entrepreneurship courses. This is in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University.
After this, participants will attend an intensive business boot camp. The Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) supports this. The boot camp is designed to refine their business skills through hands-on learning and practical insights.
A key part of the program is the Pitch-Fest. Finalists will present their business ideas to a panel of business experts.
Empowering young Nigerian entrepreneurs
They will compete for grant funding and ongoing support. The program offers mentorship opportunities and access to an alumni network. Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director at IBPLC, commented on the long-term impact.
She said, “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. They must be proficient in English and residing in Nigeria.
Their businesses must be either operational 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.
It has provided seed capital and mentorship to 425 business owners. This has helped create thousands of direct and indirect jobs nationwide. Impressively, 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.