Queen’s Business School (QBS) is proud to announce the renewal of its Small Business Charter (SBC) accreditation—this time for an extended period of five years. This significant milestone comes during Queen’s University Belfast’s 180th anniversary year and follows the School’s recent attainment of triple accreditation status from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, placing QBS among an elite group of global business schools.

Professor M.N. Ravishankar, Dean and Head of Queen’s Business School, commented:

“In Queen's 180th anniversary year, we are very proud to have our Small Business Charter accreditation renewed, alongside recently achieving triple accreditation status from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. These achievements are strong endorsements of the School’s commitment to excellence in business education, research, entrepreneurship, and engagement with the region's business community.

Professor of Practice Julie McCandless, Director of Business Engagement and MBA, added:

“The Small Business Charter plays an important role in recognising the ways universities contribute to driving regional economic growth, and we look forward to building on this success by continuing to support businesses in Northern Ireland and also equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to lead, innovate and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.”

The SBC accreditation process is rigorous, assessing business schools across a range of dimensions grouped into three key areas: Supporting the growth of small businesses, Engaging with stakeholders to support growth, Encouraging student enterprise and entrepreneurship.

To secure the five-year accreditation, schools must meet a high threshold across all three dimensions. The SBC assessors’ report commended QBS for its strategic focus on community and business, its strong connection to place, and its tangible impact on the regional economy. The panel highlighted the School’s investment in facilities, innovative approaches to business engagement, and the development of initiatives that benefit small businesses, students, and entrepreneurs alike.

Driving Innovation and Enterprise

A contributor to this success is the newly established QBS Enterprise Hub, a dynamic space designed to foster start-ups and cultivate entrepreneurial spirit among students. The Hub encourages collaboration, peer learning, and innovation, laying the foundation for future business success.

QBS’s commitment to supporting SMEs is further demonstrated by its involvement in a major €9.45 million PEACEPLUS investment, aimed at transforming small and medium enterprises across the border region of Northern Ireland and Ireland over the next four years.