Unity Bank Plc has disbursed over ₦270 million in grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, the Corpreneurship Challenge, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since inception in 2019 to 608 corps members nationwide.
The initiative, which is implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, is designed to empower fresh graduates with funding, business confidence and mentorship to start and scale viable ventures.
The latest round of disbursements followed the Batch C, Stream I, 2025 Corpreneurship Challenge, held between November 18 and December 9, 2025, across 10 NYSC orientation camps nationwide. A total of 30 corps members emerged winners after pitching innovative business ideas spanning diverse sectors of the economy.
The beneficiaries were selected from orientation camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Plateau (Jos) and the Federal Capital Territory, following a competitive evaluation process.
Unity Bank said its cumulative investment in the Corpreneurship Challenge reflects its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, MSME development and job creation in Nigeria.
Speaking on the impact of the programme, the Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail and SME, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, said entrepreneurship remains a critical tool for addressing youth unemployment and driving inclusive economic growth.
She said, “At Unity Bank, we recognise that entrepreneurship is one of the most effective ways to tackle youth unemployment. Through the Corpreneurship Challenge, we are not only providing financial support but also building confidence in young graduates to turn viable ideas into sustainable businesses. Reaching over 600 beneficiaries since inception highlights the enormous potential of Nigeria’s youth.”
Abimbola added that the initiative plays a strategic role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and creating long-term economic value.
“Small and medium-scale enterprises are the backbone of a resilient economy. By supporting corps members at the earliest stage of their entrepreneurial journey, we are helping to build businesses that can create jobs, stimulate local economies and contribute meaningfully to national development. Our focus is on impact that goes beyond grants and translates into lasting livelihoods,” she said.
The Corpreneurship Challenge provides a competitive platform where corps members pitch business ideas, which are assessed based on originality, feasibility, market demand, scalability and job-creation potential. Successful participants receive financial grants to kick-start or expand their ventures, alongside access to business guidance and mentorship.
Since its launch, the initiative has supported youth-led enterprises across sectors such as fashion, agribusiness, food processing, manufacturing, creative services and retail, and has become a key component of the NYSC entrepreneurship experience.
Unity Bank said it remains committed to sustaining and expanding the Corpreneurship Challenge as part of its broader strategy to support Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and inclusive economic growth.