Unity Bank Plc has disbursed more than N270 million to young Nigerian entrepreneurs under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative: Corpreneurship Challenge, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since the programme’s inception in 2019 to 608 corps members nationwide.
Implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) via its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the initiative is designed to equip fresh graduates with funding, mentorship, and technical support to launch and scale viable businesses.
The latest edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge, held from November 18 to December 9, 2025, across 10 NYSC orientation camps, produced 30 winners from Batch C, Stream I. Beneficiaries were selected from camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, FCT, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau, after pitching business ideas across sectors including fashion, agribusiness, food processing, creative services, manufacturing, and retail.
Speaking on the programme’s impact, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail & SME at Unity Bank, said the initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to youth empowerment and MSME development.
“Entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective tools to tackle youth unemployment and drive inclusive economic growth. Through the Corpreneurship Challenge, we are not only providing financial support but also instilling confidence in young graduates to turn viable ideas into sustainable businesses. Supporting over 600 beneficiaries since 2019 demonstrates the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth,” she said.
She added that the programme goes beyond grants, noting its role in building businesses that generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and strengthen the MSME ecosystem.
The Corpreneurship Challenge evaluates participants on originality, feasibility, market demand, scalability, and job creation potential, awarding winners with grants to start or expand their ventures alongside access to mentorship and business guidance. Since its launch, the initiative has become a flagship NYSC programme, attracting thousands of applications annually and earning national recognition for its contribution to youth-led entrepreneurship.
By sustaining and expanding the Corpreneurship Challenge, Unity Bank continues to position itself as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial and MSME development landscape.
