Nigerian Breweries though its Life Progress Booster initiative has supported a total of 25 entrepreneurs with N300, 000 each to revive their businesses in Enugu state.
The empowerment initiative one under its Life Lager Beer brand was held in Enugu on Sunday.as part of the brand’s commitment to support small and medium scale entrepreneurs in South-East Nigeria.
The beneficiaries, 11 women and 14 men were drawn from applicants interviewed and selected from Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively after they were able to convince the panel of judges on how they intend to expand their businesses with the aforementioned sum.
Mr. Emmanuel Agu, Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc in his address at the event stated that Life Continental Beer is committed to the progress of the consumers of the brand in the South Eastern part of Nigeria where it holds sway as market leader.
“This initiative was established with the aim of encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo people in South Eastern Nigeria. Enugu and Ebonyi are producing the first 25 beneficiaries and the first set of entrepreneurs we are supporting this year. The Life Progress Booster is open to both male and female small and medium scale business“owners” He said.
Beneficiaries at the event expressed gratitude and joy. Okoro Damien Chukwu who thanked Nigerian Breweries profusely for the initiative. “I am so happy for this gesture and honestly wasn’t expecting such support from a beer company. I wouldn’t have believed a company could out money without telling you to participate in a “buy and win” promotion. This is a pleasant surprise. No collateral, no interest, and no refund… I am so happy. Thank you.”
In her own remarks another beneficiary, Okwari Anne E, said
“I am so happy today.” A friend whose uncle participated in the 2017 edition encouraged me to apply for the grant. I applied, got invited and defended my business idea. And here I am today with a cheque of N300, 000 and with no strings attached. Thank you Life Beer.”
Residents of Anambra should expect the train to bert at the commercial State on Sunday, 9th of September 2018 as Life Progress Booster continues to empower small scale businesses in the community.
To be part of the initiative, interested participants only need to drop their business proposals at designated outlets or visit life-nigeria.com to send in their entries. Shortlisted candidates will then proceed to pitch their existing businesses to a team of business experts and judges including Chief Technologist, Enugu State University, Dr. Ferdinand Ozoani, a member of Customary Court Enugu, Mr. Michael Ndubuisi, and CEO, Four Seasons Bar and Restaurants, Onitsha, Mr. Martins Ezigbo. Successful candidates across the catchment zones get to receive grants to support their businesses. –
Life Progress Booster, which has supported over 600 beneficiaries is now in its fourth Season and since 2014, the brand has consistently executed these programmes in a bid to bond with its consumers, improve the people’s economic fortunes, boost local businesses and the general economic well-being of the communities in South East Nigeria.
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