Unity Bank Plc has disbursed over N270m in grants to members of the National Youth Service Corps under its Youth Entrepreneurship Development Initiative: Corpreneurship Challenge.
In a statement on Thursday, the bank noted that about 608 corps members nationwide have benefited from the programme since its inception in 2019.
The Corpreneurship Challenge, implemented in partnership with the NYSC through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, equips fresh graduates with the funding, confidence, and support required to launch and scale viable businesses.
In the most recent edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge, held between 18 November and 9 December 2025, across 10 NYSC orientation camps nationwide, 30 youth corps members emerged as winners during the Batch C, Stream I, 2025 exercise of the programme.
The latest beneficiaries were selected from orientation camps in Lagos, Delta, Kaduna, Jigawa, Kwara, Enugu, Abia, the Federal Capital Territory, Akwa Ibom, and Plateau (Jos), after pitching innovative business ideas across diverse sectors of the economy.
Speaking on the continued impact of the initiative, Unity Bank’s Divisional Head, Retail & SME, Mrs Adenike Abimbola, reaffirmed the bank’s belief in entrepreneurship as a catalyst for economic transformation.
“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.
Abimbola emphasised the programme’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem and creating 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,” she added.
The Corpreneurship Challenge provides 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 kick-start or expand their ventures, alongside exposure to business guidance and mentorship.
Since its launch, the initiative has supported youth-led businesses across different sectors, including fashion, agribusiness, food processing, creative services, manufacturing, and retail.
