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By Merit Ibe
International Breweries Plc (IBPLC) is set to host the Kickstart 2025 Awards following the successful conclusion of its bootcamp training.
This year’s programme marks a decade of the company nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of business leaders.
The upcoming ceremony, themed “Sustain, Scale and Succeed – Building the Future of Nigerian Entrepreneurs,” will mark the culmination of this year’s Kickstart journey, which has already seen 476 shortlisted applicants participate in an intensive online training facilitated by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), covering vital business courses such as Customer Service, Marketing Management, Selling Skills, Financial Management, Leadership Essentials, Operations Management, and Business Planning. The programme also ensured inclusivity by accommodating People with Disabilities (PWDs) among the participants, underscoring Kickstart’s commitment to equal opportunity and inclusive innovation.
From this pool, 124 of the most promising entrepreneurs advanced to the hybrid Bootcamp training, which featured both in-person and virtual sessions across Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Rivers and Anambra. The immersive training further deepened participants’ expertise in business model innovation, financial management, digital marketing, sustainability practices, and pitch preparation.
The Bootcamp culminated in the PitchFest, where participants presented their business ideas to a panel of seasoned judges; an inspiring showcase of creativity and enterprise that now sets the stage for the grand finale at the Kickstart 2025 awards ceremony.
The awards ceremony, slated for November 17, 2025, will crown this year’s journey by recognizing the most outstanding entrepreneurs; emerging innovators and enterprise builders who distinguished themselves during the PitchFest, granting them business funding to either launch or scale their ventures.
Adding to the significance of this milestone edition, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, immediate past vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will deliver the keynote address at the awards ceremony. A renowned advocate for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development, his presence underscores the ongoing national focus on nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
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Reflecting on the journey, Carlos Coutiño, Managing Director of IBPlc, expressed confidence in the power of entrepreneurship to redefine Nigeria’s economic story.
“The Kickstart journey continues to demonstrate that our youth are the catalysts of inclusive growth. The 10th anniversary Awards Ceremony is not just a celebration of winners; it’s a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the spirit of Nigerian enterprise. Through Kickstart, we are investing in the future; a future where young people sustain their dreams, scale their impact, and ultimately succeed.”
Similarly, Dr. Peter Bamkole, Chairman of the Advisory Board of International Breweries Foundation, described this year’s theme as a summation of the programme’s legacy and its forward-looking vision.
“For 10 years, Kickstart has proven that when we sustain a vision, scale opportunities, and empower entrepreneurs to succeed, we build more than businesses; we build the future of our nation. The energy and creativity displayed at this year’s Bootcamp reaffirmed our belief that Nigeria’s economic transformation lies in the hands of its young entrepreneurs who are willing to innovate and lead responsibly.”
Temitope Oguntokun, Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director at International Breweries Plc, highlighted the programme’s unique model that provides long-term support beyond grants.
“What truly distinguishes Kickstart is its holistic approach. We don’t just train or fund entrepreneurs; we walk with them on their journey. Through the Kickstart appointed mentors and Alumni Network, beneficiaries continue to access mentorship, business development resources, and peer learning opportunities. This end-to-end ecosystem ensures that our entrepreneurs don’t just survive, they sustain, scale, and succeed.”
As the 2025 Kickstart Awards Ceremony draws near, anticipation is building within the country’s entrepreneurial community. The event will mark not just the culmination of another successful edition, but the celebration of a decade-long commitment to youth empowerment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
Over the past years, Kickstart has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most impactful youth empowerment platforms. It has trained over 3,000 aspiring entrepreneurs, awarded ₦800 million in grants to 470 small business owners, and created around a thousand direct and indirect jobs across more than 30 states. The programme has supported enterprises in key sectors such as Agriculture, Retailing, Circular Packaging, technology, renewable energy among others, fostering innovation and resilience across Nigeria’s MSME landscape. Impressively, in an impact assessment of the initiative, 80% of supported businesses remain active, underscoring Kickstart’s strong focus on sustainability and measurable impact.
