International Breweries Kickstart Program 2025 Now Open for Applications

Application Deadline: June 20, 2025

International Breweries PLC, through its CSR initiative—the International Breweries Foundation—has launched the 2025 edition of its flagship youth empowerment initiative, the Kickstart Entrepreneurship Program. This year’s edition offers up to ₦3 million in business grants, along with comprehensive training, mentorship, and post-investment support to outstanding young entrepreneurs across Nigeria.

Now in its 10th year, the Kickstart Program continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing early-stage businesses and cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial culture among Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35.

What is the Kickstart Program?

The Kickstart Entrepreneurship Program is a corporate social investment project that identifies, trains, funds, and mentors promising Nigerian youth-owned businesses. The program was originally launched in Nigeria in 2016 and has since grown into a national intervention covering all six geo-political zones.

Kickstart is designed to empower youth and reduce unemployment by creating sustainable business opportunities. Since its inception, it has helped young founders across Nigeria and other African countries such as South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Tanzania, to access critical business support.

Program Benefits

Participants in the Kickstart 2025 Program will receive:

• Up to ₦3 million in business grants
• Intensive entrepreneurship training
• Mentorship and post-funding business support
• Access to industry experts and a robust support network
• Opportunities to scale and formalize their businesses

Sectors Covered

The Kickstart Program targets businesses in high-impact sectors that contribute to sustainable development and economic growth. These include:

• Agriculture (e.g., rice, maize, and sorghum farming)
• Retailing (especially those retailing International Breweries products)
• Circular Packaging
• Renewable Energy
• Other innovative business sectors

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Kickstart 2025 Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Must be between 18 and 35 years old
• Language: Proficient in English (reading, writing, and speaking)
• Residency: Must reside in Nigeria and operate a business within the country
• Business Stage: Business must be between 0–3 years old
• Must have a feasible and impactful business idea or existing venture

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete and submit the Kickstart 2025 application form online. Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, June 20, 2025.

About International Breweries Foundation

International Breweries Foundation is the philanthropic arm of International Breweries PLC, part of the AB InBev Africa Zone. Through the Kickstart Program, the Foundation demonstrates its commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youth and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

If you’re a young entrepreneur with a strong business idea or early-stage venture, the International Breweries Kickstart Program 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity to gain capital, knowledge, and support. This program continues to create impact by investing in youth-driven businesses that can shape the future of Nigeria’s economy.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE