International Breweries Plc's Kickstart initiative

....Launches International Breweries Foundation




The International Breweries Plc's has commenced 2019 edition of "Kickstart" an innovative youth entrepreneurship programme that empowers young people with the financial muscle and training to implement different entrepreneurial ventures. The company also unveiled its new foundation, International Breweries Foundation.

Making the announcement in Lagos, the Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Mrs. Annabelle Degroot, espoused the power of transformational entrepreneurship and explained that Kickstart is funded by International Breweries Plcs Hero and Trophy brands even as the company continues its support for responsible drinking.

"Kickstart was introduced by International Breweries Plc in 2016 to empower young entrepreneurs with the wherewithal to kick-start  their business ventures in recognition that the growth of Nigeria increasingly depends on the ability of its enterprising youth population to unlock their entrepreneurial potential".

This edition is focussing mainly on entrepreneurs in the  critical areas of agriculture, recycling, manufacturing, healthcare, education, ICT, water stewardship, climate action and crafts among others The initiative underscores the companys support for Nigerias attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth,  and 5 other related goals.


KickStart draws its name from the objective of the initiative, which is to empower young entrepreneurs with the basic essentials to kick-start or start-up their business ventures, Mrs Degroot said. Globally, the power of transformational entrepreneurship to impact growth has become increasingly compelling especially in developing economies like ours. Entrepreneurship helps to create new products and business models, even while availing entrepreneurs fulfilling and dignified livelihoods, she added.


Speaking to Oyinlola Awonuga, also, the Legal & Corporate Affairs Director, IB Plc, Otunba Michael Daramola, expressed his happiness that the initiative has turned out more successful than initially envisaged. He stated that 184 youths had received grants totalling N271.129million so far from Kickstart and the number of beneficiaries rises to 680 when those that benefitted from the training opportunities are included. He added that 571 additional jobs had been created with 1,392 jobs projected by 2021. 

We have seen young Nigerians excel in interesting and diverse industries. From arts and crafts to circular packaging, from water stewardship to agriculture, our young Kickstart beneficiaries are blazing a trail in different facets of entrepreneurship in our country, Daramola said.  And it remains a privilege for us as an organization to be the driver of such an impactful initiative that enables our country harness the power and energy of our young people and deploy them positively towards economically productive ventures, he added.

To benefit from Kickstart, young people have to apply, stating the nature of their prospective entrepreneurial ventures. The applications are assessed and the most promising business cases are identified. Thereafter, the beneficiaries go through an intensive training programme. Upon completing the training programme, seed capital, up to N3M each, is made available to successful entrepreneurs while IB Plc continues to provide guidance and mentorship, helping these young entrepreneurs to establish a strong foothold in the world of business.


The registration portal for kickstart which is www.internationalbreweries.org is open for all interested youth across the country, he added.