International Breweries Plc, through its subsidiary, International Breweries Foundation, has disbursed a N60m grant to 50 aspiring young entrepreneurs.
This was disclosed at the 8th edition of the Kickstart Awards Ceremony themed “From Ideas to Impact: Nurturing Young Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth,” held recently in Lagos.
During the event, 26 females and 24 males were recognised for their exceptional entrepreneurial ideas.
The company explained that the substantial seed fund capital was aimed at catalysing the growth of innovative businesses of beneficiaries and paves the way for their entrepreneurial success.
“The grant values varied, ranging from N750,000 to the grand prize of N3m, demonstrating our commitment to empowering a diverse group of talented individuals.
“This year’s initiative marks a significant milestone, bringing the total number of grant beneficiaries to 425 since its inception,” the firm said in a statement.
It noted that the International Breweries had generated 1,600 direct job opportunities and indirectly contributed to the creation of 3,000 additional jobs in various sectors of the economy.
The Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutino, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
He emphasised that the initiative transcended traditional Corporate Social Responsibility, as it was a testament to the company’s vision of empowering the youth.
“By nurturing young talent, International Breweries aims to tackle unemployment challenges, boost the confidence of budding entrepreneurs in their creative abilities, and make substantial contributions to regional economic growth”, he said.
According to Coutino, this year’s theme “From Ideas to Impact: Nurturing Young Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth,” resonates deeply as it captures the company’s vision to contribute and support Nigeria’s economy for prosperity.
He declared, “I am very excited as I stand before you today because Kickstart is not merely a project, but a passion for us at International Breweries Plc.
“Kickstart has been a beacon of hope touching countless lives through its commitment to effectively help young Nigerians navigate the entrepreneurship journey. This has contributed meaningfully to transforming the landscape of small, medium-sized enterprises in Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, Chairman of the International Breweries Foundation Advisory Board, Peter Bankole, lauded impacts of the Kickstart project.
He noted that the initiative resonated with the aspirations of the Nigerian government at all levels, aiming to create an environment conducive for businesses to flourish.
