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International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) recently hosted the 2025 edition of its flagship youth entrepreneurship initiative, Kickstart, where 45 young innovators were awarded ₦60,000,000 and celebrated for their hard work and innovation.
At the event, Managing Director of IBPlc, Carlos Coutiño, noted the evolution of the programme over the last decade, saying, “From a regional pilot operating in a few states, Kickstart has grown into a national entrepreneurial development engine, equipping young Nigerians with business skills, seed capital and mentorship support. Despite economic headwinds, International Breweries continues to invest in building Nigeria’s future.”
Coutiño highlighted the parent company, AB InBev’s long-term commitment to Nigeria in the business, noting its $380 million (₦513 billion) investment to strengthen operations and unlock economic opportunities across the value chain.
The award expanded a decade-long alumni network of innovators and emerging business leaders underscoring the initiative’s significant contribution to MSME development, job creation and economic inclusion nationwide.
At the event, the company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs and strengthening local communities through sustainable investment, value-chain development and long-term partnerships.
The Kickstart Initiative, which marked the programme’s 10th anniversary, was designed to empower Nigerians aged 18 to 35, provides business training, seed grants and mentorship to help young people start, strengthen and scale their enterprises. The programme supports young founders across sectors, such as retailing, agriculture, manufacturing, technology, circular packaging (recycling), renewable energy and other high-growth industries.
In his keynote address, former Vice-President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo commended the International Breweries Foundation’s Kickstart initiative for its impact and consistency, saying, “For a full decade, you have invested in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial future by providing early-stage funding and support to businesses founded by young people under 35. This work is not just admirable, it is essential.
These bright young men and women must be given opportunities to create value, build businesses and generate jobs. This vibrant youth population holds the potential for a massive development dividend. And this is precisely why Kickstart is so crucial.” He also underscored the importance of integrity and trust in building sustainable businesses.
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This year’s edition recorded thousands of entries from across the 36 states and the FCT. A total of 476 young entrepreneurs completed rigorous business training through a partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University. A panel of expert judges evaluated the finalists based on innovation, viability and potential impact.
Dr. Peter Bankole, chairman, Advisory Board, International Breweries Foundation, praised the programme’s legacy of community development and inclusive opportunity. “A decade of impact is not the work of one organization, but the outcome of aligned purpose. Kickstart has proven that when we empower the youth, we empower communities and when communities thrive, the nation transforms,” he said.
He further emphasised Kickstart’s unique inclusivity model, particularly its integration of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs), noting the positive outcomes achieved through partnerships, such as the PWD inclusion collaboration with Sightsavers.
Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs & Regulatory Director at IBPLC, also spoke on the programme’s sustained national relevance, saying, “For this year’s Kickstart, we received about 5,000 applications. From the 3,000 who completed their submissions, to the 476 who underwent training and now the 45 beneficiaries receiving grants, each step reflects hard work, courage and determination.
“Over the past decade, Kickstart has trained more than 3,000 young entrepreneurs nationwide, invested over N800 million in enterprise development, provided grants to 470 small businesses and created more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across 30 states. According to a 2024 impact assessment survey, 80 percent of the businesses funded remain operational,” she added.
Guests were also treated to a specially produced 10-year Kickstart documentary, which highlighted the programme’s evolution, its measurable impact and the exceptional quality of businesses it has supported across Nigeria over the past decade.
This year’s grand prize winner, Oluwadunsin Bolaji, founder of DunsinCraft Collection Ltd, received N3 million for her climate-focused recycling enterprise that converts used sachet water packs
