The International Breweries Kickstart Entrepreneurship Program 2025 is now open to young Nigerian entrepreneurs. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 35 and either have a business idea or an early-stage business, this is your opportunity to receive business training, expert mentorship, and a grant of up to ₦3 million to grow your venture.
In this blog post, we break down everything you need to know to apply for the International Breweries Kickstart Entrepreneurship Program 2025, including eligibility criteria, sectors covered, application deadlines, and expert tips to strengthen your proposal.
What is the Kickstart Program?
The Kickstart Entrepreneurship Program is a youth-focused initiative by International Breweries Plc, a proud member of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer. It aims to reduce unemployment in Nigeria by empowering young people with business skills, startup funding, and post-investment mentorship.
The program has trained hundreds of young entrepreneurs since its inception in 2016 and has granted millions of naira in funding.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this year’s Kickstart Program, applicants must:
- Be Nigerian citizens, aged 18–35
- Be resident and doing business in Nigeria
- Operate a business in the idea stage or less than 3 years old
- Be able to communicate fluently in English
- Be passionate, committed, and ready to grow their enterprise
Eligible Business Sectors
The Kickstart program is open to entrepreneurs in a wide range of sectors, especially those with potential for scalability and job creation:
- Agriculture (e.g., rice, maize, sorghum)
- Retailing and distribution (including sales of International Breweries products)
- Recycling and circular packaging
- Renewable energy solutions
- Technology and innovation
- Other commercially viable sectors are welcome
Application Deadline and Key Dates
- Application Deadline: June 20, 2025
- Screening and Shortlisting: June 21–30, 2025
- Training Bootcamp: July 2025
- Pitch Day & Grant Awards: August 2025
All shortlisted applicants will be invited to a business bootcamp, after which they will pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges.
How to Apply
To apply for the Kickstart Grant:
- Visit the official Kickstart application portal
- Create an account and fill out the online application form
- Upload all required documents:
- Valid government-issued ID
- Business plan or proposal
- CAC registration (for existing businesses)
- Financial projections or market analysis (if available)
💡Note: Applicants who pass the first screening stage will receive email communication about next steps.
✍️ Expert Opinion from GrantDatabase.org
“We’ve supported dozens of youth entrepreneurs in successfully winning grant opportunities like this. The key to a winning Kickstart application lies in clarity, feasibility, and alignment with the funder’s goals. Your business proposal must clearly articulate your value proposition, growth plan, and community impact.”
— Grants Team, GrantDatabase.org
Need help with your application? Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review to increase your chances of success.
What You Get If Selected
Successful applicants will receive:
- Up to ₦3 million in seed capital (non-refundable grant)
- Business training through immersive bootcamps
- Mentorship from seasoned business leaders
- Access to a wide alumni and business network
Why You Should Apply
- The program is 100% free to enter
- No repayment or equity dilution — it’s a grant, not a loan
- Get access to mentorship, funding, and visibility
- Kickstart alumni have created jobs and scaled operations across Nigeria
Final Thoughts
The International Breweries Kickstart Entrepreneurship Program 2025 is one of Nigeria’s top funding opportunities for youth-led startups and SMEs. With funding of up to ₦3 million, top-tier mentorship, and access to an entrepreneurial network, this is a must-apply grant for serious entrepreneurs.
Be sure to apply before June 20, 2025, and don’t forget — contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review to maximize your chances of getting selected.
