International Breweries kicks-off 2019 edition of “Kickstart” Programme, unveils new foundation
The 2019 edition of the “Kickstart” Programme, an innovative youth entrepreneurship programme that empowers young people with the financial muscle and training to implement different entrepreneurial ventures has been flagged off by International Breweries Plc., a proud member of the world’s largest brewer, ABInBev.
The company also unveiled its new foundation, International Breweries Foundation.
‘Kickstart’ was introduced in 2016 to empower young entrepreneurs knowing that the growth of Nigeria increasingly depends on the ability of its enterprising youth population to unlock their entrepreneurial potential.
The programme, which was only available to youths in the South East and South West, is now open to all youths across Nigeria. The coverage expansion follows the newly established Foundation, which has consolidated the management of all corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives of the company.
This edition focuses mainly on critical areas of agriculture, recycling, manufacturing, healthcare, education, ICT, water stewardship, climate action and crafts among others. The initiative underscores the company’s support for Nigeria’s attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular Goal 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and five other related goals.
Chairman, International Breweries Foundation, Peter Bamkole (left); People Director, International Breweries, Marilyn Maduka; Managing Director, Annabelle Degroot; Country Lead, Sustainability and Stakeholder Management, Temitope Oguntokun, and Legal and corporate Affairs Director, Otunba Michael Daramola at the launch of International Breweries Foundation, and kickoff of 2019 edition of kickstart project in Lagos
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Managing Director, International Breweries Plc, Mrs. Annabelle Degroot, espoused the power of transformational entrepreneurship saying that the company’s Hero and Trophy brands funded ‘Kickstart’.
The foundation’s advisory board, chaired by Mr Peter Bamkole, will steer the affairs of the foundation.
She said, “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.”
Degroot added, “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.”
Also, the Legal & Corporate Affairs Director, IB Plc, Otunba Michael Daramola, stated that 184 youths had received grants totaling N271.129million so far from Kickstart and the number of beneficiaries rises to 680 when those that benefited 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,” he added.
Interested beneficiaries are advised 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 N3million each, is made available to successful entrepreneurs.
The registration portal for kickstart, which is www.internationalbreweries.org , opened yesterday, Monday June 24, 2019, for all interested youth across the country.
Juliet Ekwebelam
