International Breweries Plc has announced that the Kickstart 2025 Awards Ceremony will take place on 17 November 2025, following the completion of its nationwide entrepreneurship bootcamp for more than 400 young Nigerians.

The company, a subsidiary of AB InBev, said this year’s edition marks 10 years of the programme, which is designed to support and empower emerging entrepreneurs across the country.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the 2025 edition began with 476 shortlisted applicants who underwent intensive online training delivered by the Enterprise Development Centre. The sessions covered key business areas, including customer service, marketing management, selling skills, leadership, financial management, operations, and business planning. The programme also included participants with disabilities, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity.

From the initial pool, 124 outstanding candidates were selected for a hybrid bootcamp held across Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Rivers and Anambra states. The bootcamp deepened participants’ knowledge in business model innovation, digital marketing, sustainability, financial management, and pitch preparation.

The training concluded with PitchFest, where entrepreneurs presented their business ideas to a panel of judges. The top performers will be recognised at the upcoming Kickstart 2025 Awards Ceremony, where winners will receive funding to launch or expand their businesses.

Managing Director of International Breweries Plc, Carlos Coutiño, said the programme continues to demonstrate the potential of Nigeria’s youth to drive economic growth.

“The 10th anniversary Awards Ceremony is not just a celebration of winners; it’s a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the spirit of Nigerian enterprise,” he said.

Chairman of the Advisory Board of the International Breweries Foundation, Dr. Peter Bamkole, said this year’s theme is Sustain. Scale. Succeed reflects the programme’s long-term commitment to building successful entrepreneurs.

“For ten years, Kickstart has shown that supporting vision, scaling opportunities and empowering entrepreneurs helps build the nation’s future,” he said.

Corporate Affairs and Regulatory Director, Temitope Oguntokun, highlighted the programme’s long-term structure, noting that participants continue to receive mentorship and business support through the Kickstart Alumni Network.

“What makes Kickstart unique is its holistic model. Beyond funding, beneficiaries gain mentorship and ongoing development resources that help them grow sustainably,” he said.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, is expected to deliver the keynote address at the awards ceremony.

Since its inception, Kickstart has trained more than 3,000 emerging entrepreneurs, awarded N800 million in grants to 470 small business owners, and supported the creation of roughly 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across over 30 states.