The Small Business Charter (SBC) is awarded to business schools in the UK that offer world-class support to students and local businesses.
Portsmouth Business School has held the award since 2015. In March 2026 our Small Business Charter accreditation was renewed. We’re one of only 33 business schools across the UK and Ireland who hold this award.
To get this accreditation we have to show our expertise, activity and impact in 3 key areas:
- Support for the growth of small businesses
- Stakeholder engagement to support growth in the region
- Encouraging student enterprise and entrepreneurship
Student impact
Our Small Business Charter demonstrates our dedication to entrepreneurship and enterprise. The assessors highlighted several strengths, including our cross-working with colleagues across the University for the benefit of our students.
As a student here you’ll benefit from:
- Our proactive student start-up support
- Free help and guidance from our Entrepreneurs in Residence
- Talks, events and placements with local businesses
- Courses that focus on the skills we know employers are looking for
Local business impact
Over the last 2 years we've engaged with over 500 small businesses, through initiatives such as our COVID-19 recovery leadership scheme and our Female Entrepreneurs Network.
We're part of the local business ecosystem, working with other key stakeholders in the region such as Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, the Solent LEP and Portsmouth City Council.
As a local business you could benefit from:
- Opportunities to engage with our talented students
- Programmes, networks and events designed to support your needs
- Coworking and office space at Innovation Connect
If you’re part of a small business and you're interested in working with us, please get in touch by emailing jaimes.harrington@port.ac.uk
The renewal of our Small Business Charter accreditation is a significant achievement for the Faculty of Business and Law, reaffirming our long‑standing excellence in supporting small business growth, strengthening regional partnerships, and championing student enterprise in line with the University of Portsmouth’s civic agenda.