Determined to deliver sustainable projects, International Breweries, makers of Trophy, Budweiser and Hero premium lagers, has through its Foundation launched the sixth edition of its Kickstart entrepreneurship programme targeted at training another 500 entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35.
The initiative, which has provided training, mentoring, and seed capital of N325,136 million for 274 grantees in the past five years, also has 708 direct beneficiaries and created 2,832 indirect beneficiaries across a wide range of businesses. It has also created about 571 jobs and targets 1,392 new jobs across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Speaking during the media launch in Lagos recently, Hugo Rocha, managing director of International Breweries Plc, expressed delight that the Kickstart Initiative had evolved from the regional programme to a national programme that reaches the six geopolitical zones and 36 states of Nigeria.
“We believed that the energy, zeal, and brilliance of Nigerian youths who constitute about 70 percent of the total population, should be tapped and channeled to productive use. This is the logic behind Kickstart – to promote a culture of entrepreneurship among youths through training, provision of capital and mentorship,” Rocha said.
According to Rocha, the 3-year impact assessment study on Kickstart came out positive, which gives confidence to the management to continue to support young people to achieve their dream of entrepreneurship. “We remain steadfast in our commitment towards the economic development of Nigeria”
Peter Bamkole, chairman, Advisory Board of International Breweries Foundation, said that IBPLC and its foundation are dedicated to contributing towards tackling challenges of unemployment and poverty while promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth in line with Goal 8 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs).
“By creating Kickstart, International Breweries Foundation set out to be the nursery of innovation in a business where budding enterprise managers are groomed. We aim to produce well-rounded entrepreneurs who are prepared to put in the work it takes to do business successfully in a unique climate like ours,” Bamkole said.
On the mechanics, Temitope Oguntokun, Legal and Corporate Affairs Director of International Breweries Plc, said the award is in three phases including application phase, training phase and the pitch fest phase which is the final selection of grantees by judges.
She said the Kickstart Initiative will be incorporating an expansive training module that will train 500 young entrepreneurs online, with a number of them going into the boot camp.
He said this year’s edition also features a streamlined search for entrepreneurs into Agriculture, Modular Retailing, Circular Packaging (Recycling), Technology, and Renewable Energy sectors.
“After a transparent selection process on the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) platform via the link, https://reg.smetoolkit.ng/program-apply/kickstart-nigeria-2021, which will open on the 20th of May, successful applicants will be equipped with critical skills and training on entrepreneurship by experienced entrepreneurs and corporate professionals during a 2-day boot camp. They will partake at the pitch fest where a panel of judges will appraise their proposals before final selection and winners will be awarded grants,” Oguntokun noted.
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