International Breweries Plc Empowers Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs, Opens Call for 2025 Kickstart Applications
International Breweries Plc Empowers Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs, Opens Call for 2025 Kickstart Applications
International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), a proud part of AB InBev (the world’s largest brewer) and the producer of Trophy Lager, Trophy Extra Stout, Hero Lager, Castle Lite, Budweiser, Flying Fish has announced the official launch of the 2025 edition of its flagship Kickstart Initiative. The announcement marksthe 10th year anniversary of the programme’s impactful journey.
Through the company’s CSR arm: International Breweries Foundation, IBPLC has opened the call for applications for Kickstart 2025, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
At the core of the Kickstart Initiative is a belief in the power of youth-driven enterprise to shape Nigeria’s future. Speaking on the significance of the programme, Dr. Peter Bamkole, Chairman of the Advisory Board at the International Breweries Foundation, emphasized the critical role of young entrepreneurs in driving economic transformation.
“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,” he said. “We’re 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.”
Kickstart is a corporate social investment programme designed to identify, train, mentor, and fund young Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18 to 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.
Commenting on the programme’s 2025 approach, Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director at IBPLC, said:
“Kickstart represents our unwavering commitment to support the building of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria. 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 labour- thesemyriads of lives that have been transformed is our return on investment and we are excited to welcome the next generation of changemakers in 2025.”
The 2025 edition is structured as a comprehensive entrepreneurial journeyfrom selection to receiving of startup grants. The process begins with a competitive application and screening phase, followed by virtual training in core entrepreneurship courses, 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), where they will refine their business skills through hands-on learning and practical insights.
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.
To be eligible, applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 18 to 35, proficient in English, and residing in Nigeria. They must either be running a businessregistered or unregistered; operational for no more than three years, or have a strong, viable business idea that aligns with the programme’s focus sectors.Kickstart also gives opportunities to people living with disabilities to participate in the programme.
Over the past decade, Kickstart has trained more than 1,700 aspiring entrepreneurs, with 425 business ownerswho received seed capital and mentorship. The programme has helped create thousands of direct and indirect jobs nationwide, with an impressive 80% of supported businesses still in operation based on results from the impact assessment of the project. Alumni span sectors such as agribusiness, retail, sustainable packaging, and recycling; many of whom have grown to become employers and industry leaders in their communities.
International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) is a proud part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the world’s largest brewer with over 500 brands. As part of a global brand, International Breweries has a dream of bringing people together for a Future with More Cheers through the building of great brands that stand the test of time using the finest natural ingredients.
For full details on Kickstart eligibility and how to apply, visit: www.international-breweries.com/kickstart. Applications close on June20, 2025.
