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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Business Administration Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Header image Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Study small business and entrepreneurship in Groningen to kickstart your entrepreneurial career, by starting your own firm or contributing to the entrepreneurial spirit and success of another company.

What are the challenges technology-oriented start-ups face? How can small firms and family businesses incorporate sustainability and make a positive impact in today’s society? What knowledge and competencies do entrepreneurs need to gain in order to start up?

Start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprise over 95% of businesses in many countries. At the same time, larger firms aim to become more agile to exploit new opportunities. Thus, the likelihood that you will work for one of these companies is high. We want to prepare you for this!

Many management programmes focus only on large businesses, whereas SMEs and entrepreneurial firms have specific characteristics. The MSc Business Administration - Small Business and Entrepreneurship (BA-SBE) programme stands out by teaching you about the strategic and managerial challenges small business owners and entrepreneurs face. You will learn how small business owners and entrepreneurs can effectively manage their businesses in an increasingly complex business environment.

We put a lot of emphasis on practice orientation and work together with many entrepreneurs and small business owners with diverse backgrounds (e.g., industry, gender, age, nationality, social goals). There is value to learning from practice and that is why we organize guest lectures and other events where you can connect with business professionals (e.g. during our start-up and small business safari). You will be able to link the specific theories on SMEs and entrepreneurship to practice by working on real-life cases and interviewing small business owners and business challenges. We collaborate with VentureLab North where you can develop your own business idea.

Our graduates work as entrepreneurs, small business consultants, in entrepreneurial departments of large businesses, and for organizations supporting start-ups and small firms.

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Business Administration
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60644
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB accredited

Freedom to develop yourself

We give you the freedom to develop yourself in more than one topic. You can choose from a wide range of electives (e.g. sustainability, digital transformation, business consulting, energy transition) and build your curriculum depending on your interests.

Are you a future entrepreneur with a vision for sustainability, digital transformation and renewable energy? During the MSc BA – SBE you can take a focus area in any of these topics and gain the knowledge and competence necessary to make a change.

Read more
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • What is unique in the MSc BA - SBE is putting theory into practice to help find solutions to current challenges. You get to go out in the field, interview small business owners and come up with solutions on relevant themes such as sustainable growth, innovation, and change.
  • We make sure to connect you with the outside business world by inviting guest speakers from start-ups, SMEs, and larger firms that exploit entrepreneurial opportunities. You work with entrepreneurs in your assignments and apply the theories and concepts we teach you. Also, many start-ups cooperating with us offer internships for you.
  • We believe that your employability is of utmost importance. We challenge you to develop and use your skills in a practical and relevant way by applying insights on entrepreneurship in real business contexts. Our small business and start-up safari is unique and won the best teaching award (2023). You visit start-ups and meet with entrepreneurs in Groningen and the North of the Netherlands.
  • From the start, you are part of our SBE tight-knit student community where you will meet like-minded students, build connections and participate in social and career events. The programme has an international group of enthusiastic lecturers and a relatively small group of students (about 50 each year). This results in a personal approach with possibilities for customization.
  • Our guest lecturing entrepreneurs are from different industries and backgrounds (e.g., age, gender, nationality). We work together with entrepreneurs who put emphasis on developing sustainable products and solutions.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

The specific organizational and strategic challenges of start-ups and smaller firms as well as family firms are discussed. Typical questions we discuss with you are: What factors affect the successful launching of new ventures and the management of entrepreneurial firms? How can established small and large firms keep their entrepreneurial orientation? How can start-ups and small firms deal with challenges in an environment that is getting more and more complex? How to manage taking over a family firm? We discuss these questions against the background of themes such as sustainability and digitalization.

The course assignments are practice-oriented. For example, in the course Applied SB&E projects you work together with a small business owner and entrepreneur for several months. You work with a group of students to solve a business challenge the company is facing. In the other courses, we offer innovative teaching designs such as 'Living Teaching Case' The final component of the programme is devoted to writing a thesis including doing research. You can choose a topic that you like. In other programs, such customization is not always possible, and we know that students really appreciate this.

The practical orientation of our studies is very beneficial for your employability after finishing the programme. Our aim is to make the theory-practice connection visible every day of your study year.

Throughout the one-year programme, you have the opportunity to specialize in various fields by taking elective courses and focus areas. Are you interested in digital transformation? Follow the Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence focus area. Or perhaps you want to learn about sustainable business models by taking the Future Prosperity and Sustainability route.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Strategy (5 EC)
Small Business Management (5 EC)
Elective(s) MSc BA SB&E (15 EC)

A few examples are: Business Ethics; Sustainability: Strategies, Innovation & Change; Data-driven Business Processes; Digital Transformation Strategy; Energy Transition & Innovation; Financial and Economic Organization of Healthcare Markets; Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Regulating Energy Markets. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Applied SB&E Projects (5 EC)
Research & Skills for MSc BA (5 EC)
New Ventures & Entrepreneurship (5 EC)
Master's Thesis BA SB&E (20 EC)
Programme options
Future Prosperity and Sustainability Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the sustainable developments in our current society by the increasing influence of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. The upcoming impact of the SDGs force companies to redefine their purpose and seek a path for meaningful contribution. But, what are companies responsible for, and who bears the burden of the consequences? Your skills and knowledge will prepare you to actively contribute to the strategic developments in this dynamic field.

More information about this option

Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the digital transformation within our society and understand how to successfully implement digital transformation in business. A successful digital transition allows businesses to conquer markets, witness industries converging, and step into the realm of winner-takes-all dynamics, like dominating tech-giants like Google and Facebook.

More information about this option

Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

A study exchange semester is not included in the one-year programme. If you wish to spend a semester abroad, you will need to extend the study period by a semester. Please discuss this with the programme coordinator as study exchanges are not facilitated by the MSc BA - SBE programme.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced the 30 EC and 45 EC Pre-Master's programmes. Depending on the HBO degree you will obtain, you will be able to follow the 30 EC or 45 EC variant. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Psychology (NL)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

In addition to your BSc programme, you will need to complete a set of (extra) courses. For information, please contact the study advisors: https://www.rug.nl/feb/studyadvisors.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For profile Informatica & Economie.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Business EngineeringMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and GovernanceWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility. Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes.

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Testimonials of entrepreneurs

"We had a great experience working with students from the MSc Small Business and Entrepreneurship programme at UG. Their insights and recommendations helped us working on a critical business challenge exploring potential future markets, and their dedication and fresh perspectives were invaluable." - Richard Rushby (Co-Founder SG Papertronics)

"I am very happy about working with the MSc Small Business and Entrepreneurship students who prepared a great report for my early-stage venture. Their analysis of our start-up challenge provided important insights contributing to our future strategy." - Mariska van der Hoek (CEO - modAlgae)

Job prospects

As a graduate of the MSc Business Administration Small Business and Entrepreneurship, you will have contemporary and practical knowledge, the ability to drive action and see opportunities in SMEs along with the entrepreneurial skills to embark on various career paths. You may find work in several positions such as an entrepreneur, SME manager, corporate entrepreneur, or SME consultant or you might start your own company.

Job examples

  • Entrepreneur in large companies (corporate entrepreneurship)
  • 'All-round' manager in an SME
  • Manager in large companies (corporate entrepreneurship)
  • Entrepreneur: start your own business
  • Owner of a family business
  • Consultant for SMEs and entrepreneurial firms
  • Manager in large organizations that deal with SMEs and entrepreneurs

    such as banks, consulting firms, venture capitalists/financial investors, governmental organizations at different levels, franchising firms, platform organizations, or accounting firms.

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is research-driven. This means that you will be taught by top researchers, who are actively engaged in studying small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship in different industries.

Important topics are, for example, entrepreneurial skills, SME strategy and management, corporate entrepreneurship, start-ups, family firms, venture capital, entrepreneurial finance, collaborative networks of entrepreneurs/SMEs, institutions, and entrepreneurship and small business policies.

Your education will be informed by the latest research developments in the SB&E field. The aim is not to primarily train researchers. Instead, the purpose is to give students a state-of-the-art perspective on the field, which can be applied in a practical context, while at the same time developing analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

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This programme has far exceeded my expectations in every aspect (Tessa van Oort)

The MSc Business Administration - Small Business and Entrepreneurship's unique focus on dynamics, innovation, and hands-on learning aligns with my aspirations. The course content delves deep into small business dynamics, innovation, and effective entrepreneurship strategies. The professors take a keen interest in each student's growth which fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration among peers. Also, I like that there is a balance between theory and practical application, this prepares me for my future career. We work on real-life cases and help companies develop effective strategies. At the faculty, real-world issues are tackled through a business lens, such as sustainability topics and digital innovations.

Read more

The programme provides multiple opportunities to engage directly with business professionals (Leon Koster)

I chose the MSc Business Administration - Small Business and Entrepreneurship for its hands-on experiences and case studies, enhancing my business acumen as a small company founder. This programme stands out due to its intimate, personalized teaching approach with small class sizes and real-life entrepreneurs providing us with case studies. Additionally, I joined the Learning Community focusing on Business Value of AI, a practical complement to the programme. Furthermore, the 'Start-up Safari' exposed me to different start-ups and entrepreneurs, enriching my understanding and application of concepts taught in the programme.

Read more

Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Master Community - SBE

Make the most of your master by getting to know your fellow students and prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/committees
Read more
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.