International Breweries Plc has announced the 2025 edition of its flagship **Kickstart Initiative**, marking a decade of impactful support for young entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Through its corporate social responsibility arm, the International Breweries Foundation, the company has officially opened the call for applications, reaffirming its commitment to fostering youth-led economic development and inclusive growth.
The programme, which has become a symbol of sustainable empowerment, targets young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 with viable business ideas across key sectors such as agriculture (including rice, maize, and sorghum), renewable energy, recycling, circular packaging, retail, and other micro and small-scale ventures.
The chairman of the Advisory Board at the International Breweries Foundation highlighted the growing importance of entrepreneurial youth in driving Nigeria’s economic future. According to him, Kickstart continues to play a significant role in reducing unemployment and building resilient businesses across the country. He encouraged passionate and determined young people in various industries to take advantage of this opportunity to access training, funding, and valuable networks.
For 2025, Kickstart is structured as a robust entrepreneurial journey. It starts with a competitive application and selection process, leading into a virtual training programme facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University. Selected participants will then proceed to a business bootcamp supported by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), where they will receive intensive training and practical exposure to sharpen their business skills.
Commenting on the initiative’s continued relevance, the corporate affairs and regulatory director at International Breweries noted that the company’s investment in youth is rooted in its vision of long-term prosperity for Nigeria. She reflected on the programme’s growing impact, with many past participants evolving from idea-stage startups to established employers contributing to the economy.
In its first 10 years, Kickstart has trained over 1,700 aspiring entrepreneurs, funded 425 businesses with seed capital, and created thousands of direct and indirect jobs. An impact assessment shows that 80 per cent of businesses supported by the programme remain active and thriving, further validating its success and sustainability.
As applications open for 2025, young Nigerians with innovative business ideas are encouraged to apply and become part of a growing network of changemakers building Nigeria’s future through entrepreneurship.
You can check here for more details about the program.
