By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Unity Bank Plc has provided over N270 million in grants to young Nigerian entrepreneurs through its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, known as the Corpreneurship Challenge.
The program, which has been running since 2019, has supported 608 corps members across the country.
In partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, Unity Bank aims to equip recent graduates with the necessary funding, confidence, and support to launch and grow successful businesses.
The latest round of the Corpreneurship Challenge took place from November 18 to December 9, 2025, in 10 NYSC orientation camps nationwide, with 30 youth corps members emerging as winners. These winners, selected from camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Akwa Ibom, and Plateau (Jos), impressed judges with their innovative business ideas.
Unity Bank’s investment in the program shows its commitment to youth empowerment, MSME growth, and job creation in Nigeria. Mrs. Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail & SME at Unity Bank said, “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.”
The program’s impact extends beyond financial support, as it helps strengthen Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and generates long-term economic value. Mrs. Adenike Abimbola also said, “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 provides a platform for corps members to pitch their business ideas, with winners receiving financial grants, mentorship, and business guidance. The program has supported youth-led businesses in various sectors, including fashion, agribusiness, food processing, creative services, manufacturing, and retail, and has become a key part of the NYSC experience.
