University recognised for small business support

The Small Business Charter has reaccredited the University’s School of Business for a further three years for its commitment to providing support and backing to student entrepreneurship, and for its engagement work with the local business community.

Assessors cited the School’s ongoing work to support small and medium enterprises throughout the region, empowering individuals and companies with expert knowledge to fulfil their business potential.

“Our successful Small Business Charter re-accreditation is of strategic importance to the University of Dundee,” said Professor Karen Petrie, Vice-Principal of Dundee’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Business.

“Not only does it demonstrate our successful partnerships with local entrepreneurs and businesses, but it also allows us to deliver our Help to Grow programme. 

“Our 2025/26 cohort of Help to Grow entrepreneurs are the third group of students to work with us, helping them to think differently about their business strategy, innovation, digital transformation and growth markets. 

“Making such a direct contribution to the local business community is a fantastic achievement that we view with great pride.”

Dr Alison Fordyce, Associate Dean (Accreditation), added, “We are thrilled by the extent to which our students empower and add value to local businesses and the economy.

“These outcomes are driven by staff who are motivated and understand the direct influences that universities can have on the growth of our economic environment – these partnerships should make us all very proud.”

Small Business Charter accreditation is one of several highly-regarded honours held by the University, emphasising its commitment to quality education, research and community engagement. Among these is accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing Dundee in the top 6% of the world's business degree schools.

Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, added, “We are delighted to reaccredit the University of Dundee with the Small Business Charter in recognition of their exceptional support to small businesses and their significant contributions to regional economic growth and local innovation. 

“The University of Dundee exemplifies the vital role business schools play in fostering growth and innovation among SMEs, as well as the important civic role they fulfil in their communities. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with them as part of the SBC network.”