Life Continental Lager Beer, No.1 beer brand in Nigeria, made in Igbo land by Nigerian Breweries Plc, has finalized plans to boost the entrepreneurial spirit of Igbo men and women across the south-east states of Nigeria as the brand unveiled the 2018 edition of its famous Life Beer Progress Booster in Enugu, Enugu State capital on Sunday, 26th 2018.
The initiative, which is designed to promote small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), is targeted across the South-eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Delta and Rivers where the brand holds sway as the market leader.
Unveiling the initiative- the fourth edition in its series, the Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout Brands, Emmanuel Agu said, “Life Progress Booster promotion is a celebration of the essential Igbo spirit of industry, will to succeed, enterprise and passion in the world of business. This project is, no doubt, a reinforcement of the heritage embedded in the Life Continental Lager Beer, its essence, connection and affinity with the people, and the culture/lifestyle of South Easterners”.
Agu further explained that like its previous editions, consumers and interested participants need to currently be operating a simple, viable, not necessarily outlandish business that he/she desires to take to the next level of success.
“Progress Booster is a programme with the sole aim of supporting the Igbos, who have innovative business ideas, to encourage their entrepreneurial spirit. We are excited by the success of the previous three editions. We are also ready to support another set of entrepreneurs, who will benefit from this year’s expanded platform”, Agu said.
Interested participants only need to drop their business proposals at designated outlets or visit life-nigeria.com to send in their entries. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to pitch their existing businesses to a team of business experts. Successful candidates across the catchment zone will be given a grant to support their businesses.
In a goodwill message at the unveiling, Levy Anyikwa, South East Zonal Coordinator, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) praised NB Plc and Life Continental lager brand for the unique effort to encourage and lift small businesses in the region. “SME’s are the lifeblood of industrialization across the world. This is a right step in the right direction”, he said, urging contestants to take advantage of the opportunity to put their businesses on sound footing.
Some winners of past edition and their proposals include Eusebius Owusi (Cold Room Business Expansion); Stella Okechukwu (Hair Dressing Salon Establishment) and Felicia Emeh (Canteen Expansion). Others are Augustine Okoli (Household & Furniture Welder); Tuvia Kings Enterprises (Creative Fashion Designer and Prints); and Anyachukwu Donatus (Food Condiments Processing).