Congratulations to Teesside University International Business School, which has been awarded the Small Business Charter award, in recognition of its commitment to supporting the small business community, student entrepreneurship, and the local economy.
Provision for student entrepreneurship at the business school is commendable; the Launchpad building offers programmes such as FUEL and the Microbiz Academy alongside a range of ‘pre-start’ workshops to support students who are starting a business. Other initiatives have been well attended by students and graduates alike, offering support, mentoring and growth activities for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business start-up.
Employment support for students at Teesside University International Business School is also strong, with a strong focus on supporting students to gain employment with SMEs through direct engagement, with approximately 40% of students securing a placement or internship with an SME.
Graduates from the business school also remain involved in the support on offer. Initiatives such as the Enterprise Programme and the Alumni Network provide continued input from faculty for graduates starting their own businesses.
It is evident that the business school has strong links to the local SME community; recently reforming their advisory board, placing a stronger emphasis on SME input and inviting businesses to have greater involvement in course and programme design.
Teesside University International Business School has close involvement with the business support strategies of all the local authorities in the region, giving them a clearer picture of what assistance is required for SMEs in the area and allowing them to tailor its offering where needed.
The Small Business Charter Award is a national accreditation, assessed by small business leaders, to recognise business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy. Teesside University International Business School will hold the award for five years. There are now 41 business schools that hold the SBC Award in the UK and Ireland.
Anne Kiem OBE, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:
“We congratulate everyone at Teesside University International Business School for their achievement in attaining the Small Business Charter Award. Their commitment to supporting SMEs and student entrepreneurship is excellent, and it is clear that the school is a vital part of the enterprise ecosystem in the Teesside region.”
Warren Harrison, Dean of Teesside University International Business School said:
“Teesside University International Business School is committed to delivering excellence in enterprise and innovation to drive the development of our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We are extremely proud to have been accredited with the Small Business Charter award as recognition of the expert support and services we deliver to small businesses, the local economy and our student entrepreneurs.”