Nigerian Breweries has finalised plans to empower Igbo men and women across the South East states of Nigeria in an entrepreneurial initiative tagged; Life Beer Progress Booster.
The Small Medium and Enterprises targeted initiative, in its fourth edition was launched on in Enugu state on Sunday.
The small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), scheme will cover the South-eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Delta and Rivers where the brand holds sway as market leader.
The Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Emmanuel Agu said, described the initiative has a success in the last three year with landmark impact across residents in the states.
He continued, “Life Progress Booster promotion is a celebration of the essential Igbo spirit of industry, will to succeed, enterprise and passion in the world of business. This project is, no doubt, a reinforcement of the heritage embedded in the Life Continental Lager Beer, its essence, connection and affinity with the people, and culture/lifestyle of South Easterners”.
Agu further explained that like its previous editions, consumers and interested participants need to currently be operating a simple, viable, not necessarily outlandish business that he/she desires to take to the next level of success.
“Progress Booster is a programme with the sole aim of supporting the Igbos, who have innovative business ideas, to encourage their entrepreneurial spirit. We are excited by the success of the previous three editions. We are also ready to support another set of entrepreneurs, who will benefit from this year’s expanded platform”, Agu said.
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 proceed to pitch their existing businesses to a team of business experts. Successful candidates across the catchment zone will be given a grant to support their businesses.
In a goodwill message at the unveiling, Levy Anyikwa, South East Zonal Coordinator, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) praised NB Plc and Life Continental lager brand for the unique effort to encourage and lift small businesses in the region. “SME’s are the lifeblood of industrialization across the world. This is a right step in the right direction”, he said, urging contestants to take advantage of the opportunity to put their businesses on sound footing.
Some winners of past edition and their proposals include Eusebius Owusi (Cold Room Business Expansion); Stella Okechukwu (Hair Dressing Salon Establishment) and Felicia Emeh (Canteen Expansion). Others are Augustine Okoli (Household & Furniture Welder); Tuvia Kings Enterprises (Creative Fashion Designer and Prints); and Anyachukwu Donatus (Food Condiments Processing)
