Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University has been awarded the Small Business Charter. The national accolade is in recognition of the business school’s impressive work in supporting small businesses and its contribution to the Sheffield City economic region through initiatives in areas such as student enterprise and entrepreneurship.
The business school offers internships and placements through its excellent careers and employability support. Their graduate internship scheme, set up to increase graduate employment in SMEs, has supported over 150 SMEs with support and funding to employ over 200 graduates since 2013.
The business school also provides outstanding support to students and graduates to start-up their own businesses. The business school’s Hatchery project provides a dedicated co-working space for student entrepreneurs and graduates on a low cost rent.
Sheffield Business School’s Venture Matrix is an excellent example of how a university can offer high quality business advice whilst giving students experience of the world of work. The scheme has been offering consultancy to businesses, charities and not-for-profit organisations, delivered pro bono by students and staff across the university, for ten years. Since 2013/14 the scheme has contributed over £1.7m to the regional economy through more than 1,150 projects involving almost 4,500 students. For this outstanding work, the Venture Matrix has been regarded an exemplar.
The Small Business Charter (SBC) award is a national kitemark which recognises business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting student enterprise, engagement with the local economy, and small business engagement. The SBC website acts as a hub connecting small businesses with business advice and support provided by the 37 business schools which have achieved the award.
Professor Kevin Kerrigan, Dean and Pro Vice Chancellor (Enterprise), Sheffield Business School said:
"Sheffield Hallam University is a leading applied university that is open for business and is a major supporter of the vibrant small business community in the Sheffield City Region. The Small Business Charter accreditation confirms Sheffield Business School's position as the leading catalyst for business creation and growth in the region and offers a platform to reach out to even more entrepreneurs and scale up companies.’’
Anne Kiem, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:
"We congratulate Sheffield Business School on achieving the Small Business Charter award and an exemplar for the Venture Matrix. The Management Board were particularly impressed by the enterprise team’s work supporting their students and for the business school’s commitment to supporting the economy in Sheffield and the wider region.’’