International Breweries Plc, through its subsidiary, the International Breweries Foundation, has granted a N60 million fund to support 50 emerging young entrepreneurs. This revelation came to light during the 8th edition of the Kickstart Awards Ceremony, themed “From Ideas to Impact: Nurturing Young Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth,” which recently took place in Lagos.
At the event, 26 females and 24 males were acknowledged for their outstanding entrepreneurial concepts. The company clarified that the substantial seed fund capital aims to stimulate the growth of innovative businesses among the recipients, paving 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 company stated in a release.
International Breweries has, through this initiative, generated 1,600 direct job opportunities and indirectly contributed to the creation of 3,000 additional jobs across various sectors of the economy.
Carlos Coutino, the Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. He emphasized that the initiative goes beyond traditional Corporate Social Responsibility, serving as 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 remarked.
Coutino highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, “From Ideas to Impact: Nurturing Young Entrepreneurs for Economic Growth,” stating that it resonates deeply with the company’s vision to contribute and support Nigeria’s economy for prosperity.
“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 added.
Peter Bankole, Chairman of the International Breweries Foundation Advisory Board, praised the impacts of the Kickstart project, noting that the initiative aligns with the aspirations of the Nigerian government at all levels, aiming to create an environment conducive for businesses to flourish.
Leave a comment