IBPLC Unveils Kickstart Initiative To Drive Economic Growth

Muhyideen Jimoh
Jun, Sun, 2025

General News

IBPLC unveils Kickstart initiative to drive economic growth

follow and like on:

44 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), has called on young Nigerian entrepreneurs to take advantage of its 2025 Kickstart initiative, to increase their contributions to economic growth.

According to IBPLC, the initiative aligns with the fact that a youth-driven enterprise will shape Nigeria’s future.

Dr Peter Bamkole, Chairman, Advisory Board, International Breweries Foundation, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the company, made the call on Saturday in Lagos.

The Kickstart is the company’s corporate social investment programme, designed to identify, train, mentor and fund young Nigerian entrepreneurs, between the ages of 18 and 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.

Bamkole said the call for applications for Kickstart 2025, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable economic development in the country.

“We believe Nigeria’s economic transformation lies with its young entrepreneurs and 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.

Mrs Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, IBPLC, said the programme represented the company’s unwavering commitment to building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria.

Oguntokun said that by investing in the ideas and energy of the youth, the company was sowing seeds of long-term prosperity.

She noted that over the years, IBPLC had seen beneficiaries grow from small startups to employers of labour, hence the excitement to welcome the next generation of changemakers in 2025.

The corporate affairs director said the 2025 edition was structured as a comprehensive entrepreneurial journey from selection to receiving startup grants.

According to her, the process begins with a competitive application and screening phase, followed by virtual training in core entrepreneurship courses.

She said the training would be 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).

“The programme culminates in the Pitch-Fest, a pitching competition, where finalists will present their ideas and its sustainability to a panel of seasoned business experts for a chance to win grant funding and ongoing support.

“Beyond funding, kickstart offers mentorship opportunities and access to a vibrant alumni network, ensuring that participants have the tools, guidance and community needed to sustain and grow their businesses,” she said.

Oguntokun stated that applicants must be running a business, either registered or unregistered; operational for no more than three years, or have a strong, viable business idea that aligns with the programme’s focus sectors.

She said the programme also gave opportunities for persons living with disabilities to participate.

Oguntokun disclosed that Kickstart has trained more than 1,700 aspiring entrepreneurs, with 425 business owners who received seed capital and mentorship in the last 10 years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Oluwafunke Ishola

follow and like on: