Unity Bank Distributes Over N270 Million to Winners of Corpreneurship Challenge
Unity Bank Plc has disbursed more than N270 million in grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs through its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative: the Corpreneurship Challenge. Since its inception in 2019, the program has benefited a total of 608 corps members across Nigeria.
The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) via its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, continues to empower recent graduates by providing essential funding, confidence, and support to start and expand viable businesses.
In the latest edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge, held from November 18 to December 9, 2025, in 10 NYSC orientation camps nationwide, 30 youth corps members emerged as winners during the Batch C, Stream I, 2025 exercise.
The most recent beneficiaries were selected from camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akwa Ibom, and Plateau (Jos). They impressed judges by pitching innovative business ideas across various sectors of the economy.
Unity Bank’s cumulative investment in the program highlights its long-standing dedication to youth empowerment, MSME growth, and job creation in Nigeria.
Commenting on the ongoing impact of the initiative, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail & SME at Unity Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment:
“At Unity Bank, we recognise that entrepreneurship remains one of the most effective tools for tackling youth unemployment and driving inclusive economic growth. Through the Corpreneurship Challenge, we are not only providing financial support, but also instilling confidence in young graduates to transform viable ideas into sustainable businesses. Reaching over 600 beneficiaries since inception reinforces our belief in the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth.”
She also highlighted the program’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and generating long-term economic value:
“Small and medium-scale enterprises are the backbone of any 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, impact that translates into lasting livelihoods.”
The Corpreneurship Challenge offers a competitive platform where corps members pitch business ideas, evaluated based on originality, feasibility, market demand, scalability, and potential job creation. Successful participants receive financial grants to launch or grow their ventures, along with mentorship and business guidance.
Since its launch, the initiative has supported youth-led businesses spanning sectors such as fashion, agribusiness, food processing, creative services, manufacturing, and retail. It has become an integral part of the NYSC experience, attracting thousands of applications annually and earning national recognition for its role in youth empowerment.
By continuing to support and expand the Corpreneurship Challenge, Unity Bank underscores its position as a key partner in Nigeria’s entrepreneurial and MSME development landscape.