The International Breweries Foundation, the CSR arm of International Breweries Plc, proudly awarded a combined N60 million to 50 dynamic entrepreneurs at the eighth edition of its esteemed Kickstart Initiative.
This year, IB PLC also empowered 330 young entrepreneurs through intensive training, reinforcing its commitment to youth development.
The Kickstart Initiative, tailored for Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35, fosters entrepreneurship through robust business training, mentorship, and grants. The event, a convergence of individuals, industry leaders, government officials, and Nigerian youths, reflects its impact.
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Carlos Coutino, MD of International Breweries Plc, emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating, “Empowered individuals will receive mentorship and grants as seed money for their businesses, making me very proud.”
The Kickstart Initiative has been a transformative force, positively affecting countless lives and significantly shaping Nigeria’s SME landscape.
Guest Speaker Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of Landmark Group, shared valuable business insights, urging persistence for entrepreneurial success.
Peter Bamkole, Chairman Advisory Board of International Breweries Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing Kickstart’s role in nurturing future leaders.
The event celebrated the grant presentation to 50 graduates, expanding the empowered entrepreneurs’ community.
Beyond Kickstart, International Breweries champions other empowerment platforms, bridging unemployment gaps and creating sustainable pipelines for critical positions.
Temitope Oguntokun, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, reaffirmed IB PLC’s commitment, citing the program’s profound impact, including grants to 425 entrepreneurs, job creation, and an investment exceeding 600 million Naira over eight years.
The Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment commended IB PLC for promoting creativity and entrepreneurship skills among youth.
Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, praised IB PLC for empowering Nigerian youths, emphasizing the critical role of youth empowerment in nation-building.
SMEDAN’s Zonal Coordinator lauded IBPLC for the impactful initiative, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to Kickstart.
Grand prize winner Atsegha Vesega expressed gratitude for the Kickstart platform, describing how his company transforms biodegradable palm waste into organic fertilizers.
Previous winners, Babatunde Adebayo and Olanrewaju Faleye, shared success stories post-training, showcasing the lasting impact of the Kickstart Initiative.
The collaboration between International Breweries Foundation, SMEDAN, and EDC underscores the initiative’s comprehensive approach, ensuring training excellence and impactful outcomes.
