Nottingham University Business School named finalist in national Small Business Charter Excellence Awards 2026

Nottingham University Business School has been announced as a finalist in the Small Business Charter Excellence Awards 2026, shortlisted in the prestigious ‘Outstanding Support for Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship’ category.

The winners will be revealed on 15 June 2026 at the Small Business Charter Annual Conference and Summer Reception in London.

The nomination recognises more than  25 years of Nottingham University Business School building a student enterprise ecosystem originating with a Science Enterprise Centre and endowed by the Haydn Green Foundation.

The Haydn Green Institute and its Ingenuity Lab provide mentoring, training and incubation for student enterprise skills development delivered by:

• 21 academic staff
• 12 Professors of Practice
• 60 Entrepreneurs in Residence

The Ingenuity Process, delivered internationally through Ingenuity Online, develops creative problem solving for students, businesses and teams. Across its three international campuses, more than 4,000 students each year study entrepreneurship modules, complemented by initiatives such as Enactus Nottingham, Ingenuity Impact, the Your Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) and the Witty Scholarship.

The Witty Scholarship remains a sector-leading model for widening participation in enterprise education, supporting undergraduates from disadvantaged backgrounds and offering the UK’s first fully funded undergraduate enterprise placement year.

The School’s impact is demonstrated by real outcomes.

To date, the Ingenuity Lab has supported 910 start-ups. During 2024–25, Ingenuity Impact attracted 308 participants, leading to the creation of 49 social ventures and 14 start-ups, and leveraging £4.3 million in investment. Nationally, HESA ranks Nottingham 2nd for student start‑ups and 6th for start‑up turnover.

Further information

Find out more about the Haydn Green Institute, Ingenuity Lab, Witty Scholars, YES and Enactus Nottingham by visiting their dedicated websites using the links below:

Haydyn Green Institute

Ingenuity Lab

Witty Scholarship

Your Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES)

Enactus Nottingham