Unity Bank Plc has disbursed over N270 million in grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative known as the Corpreneurship Challenge, raising the total number of beneficiaries since its inception in 2019 to 608 corps members across the country.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. It is designed to equip fresh graduates with funding, confidence, and structured support needed to launch and scale viable businesses during and after their service year.
In the most recent edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge, held between November 18 and December 9, 2025, across 10 NYSC orientation camps nationwide, 30 youth corps members emerged as winners during the Batch C, Stream I, 2025 exercise.
The beneficiaries were selected from orientation camps located in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akwa Ibom, and Plateau State in Jos. Participants pitched innovative business ideas cutting across different sectors of the economy.
Unity Bank Plc said its cumulative investment in the Corpreneurship Challenge reflects a long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, MSME development, and job creation in Nigeria, at a time when access to startup funding remains a challenge for young graduates.
Speaking on the impact of the initiative, the Divisional Head, Retail and SME at Unity Bank, Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, said the bank sees entrepreneurship as a practical solution to youth unemployment and inclusive growth.
“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 said.
Mrs. Abimbola also highlighted the programme’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and building 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,” she added.
The Corpreneurship Challenge operates as a competitive platform where corps members pitch business ideas assessed on originality, feasibility, market demand, scalability, and job creation potential. Successful participants receive financial grants to start or expand their ventures, alongside exposure to business guidance and mentorship. The programme continues to attract strong interest from corps members seeking practical pathways into self-employment and sustainable income generation nationwide during the national service year and beyond for participants.
