Kickstart is a corporate social investment programme initiated by International Breweries PLC, through its CSR arm, International Breweries Foundation, focused on youths aged 18 to 35 years.
The programme funds youth-owned businesses through business training, seed capital, post investment support (mentoring and coaching) in the following sectors: Agriculture, Retailing, Circular Packaging, Renewable Energy, and others, aimed to empower young entrepreneurs with the strongest business cases, winning grants to fund their businesses, and thereby creating jobs in different sectors.
The goal of the programme is to support the government in building a young, prosperous society by inculcating a culture of entrepreneurship, thereby reducing youth unemployment in Nigeria.
Currently in its 10th year in Nigeria, Kickstart is also available in other countries in Africa, as an initiative of the Africa Zone of the AB InBev Group. The programme has also been successfully implemented in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Tanzania.
In Nigeria, the program started in 2016 and ran three editions in the Southwest and Southeast regions. With effect from 2019, Kickstart became a national intervention in Nigeria, now open to youths in the six geo-political zones of the country.
How to apply
To participate in the Kickstart programme, prospective awardees are required to fill out and submit an application form.
To be considered for shortlisting, applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
Age: 18 to 35 years.
Communication: English language (reading, writing, and speaking skills).
Location: Reside in and have their business operations in Nigeria
