Unity Bank has reinforced its dedication to fostering economic growth by empowering 400 fresh graduates through its Corpreneurship Challenge, an entrepreneurship development initiative. Over the past five years, the Bank has invested more than N100 million in this program.
Launch and Expansion
The Corpreneurship Challenge was launched in 2019 in partnership with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED).
Initially piloted in Lagos, Edo, Ogun, and Abuja, the initiative expanded to 10 states in 2020.
Program Structure
The initiative features a business pitch competition where NYSC participants present their business plans.
Winners receive business grants, which were recently increased to N16 million per stream. The top three positions now receive N800,000, N500,000, and N300,000 respectively.
Impact and Commitment
Mr. Olufunwa Akinmade, Divisional Head of Digital Banking and Fintech Partnerships, praised the initiative for supporting young entrepreneurs and solving significant economic challenges.
Mrs. Adenike Ambimbola, Divisional Head of Retail and SME Banking, highlighted the program’s success in youth empowerment and job creation, emphasizing mentorship and skills development alongside financial support.
Program Reach
– The Corpreneurship Challenge has reached various states across Nigeria, with the latest edition held in Taraba, Kogi, FCT, Lagos, Yobe, Ogun, Ebonyi, Enugu, Adamawa, and Imo.
– Each edition sees three winners from each state, making up 30 winners per cycle.
Unity Bank’s Corpreneurship Challenge stands out as a crucial sector-agnostic business incubator in Nigeria, significantly contributing to the SME sector’s growth and supporting young entrepreneurs in realizing their dreams.
