Study in Groningen what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and how small businesses add value to society.
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprise over 95% of businesses in many countries. SMEs are renowned for their entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial activities allow firms to remain competitive, they can create economic growth and innovation, and they can solve societal problems.
You learn to understand the role SMEs and entrepreneurial firms are playing in the modern entrepreneurial economy, more importantly, the strategic and managerial challenges small business owners and entrepreneurs face. Many management programmes focus on large businesses, whereas SMEs and entrepreneurial firms have specific characteristics. You will learn about them and how small business owners and entrepreneurs can effectively manage their businesses in an increasingly complex business environment.
You will link the specific theories on SMEs and entrepreneurship to practice by means of assignments and guest lectures. The programme has an international group of enthusiastic, highly-reputed lecturers with research experience and contacts in the professional field. Besides, the relatively small group of students (about 50-60 each year) results in a personal approach with possibilities for customization.
Coming from an entrepreneurial family, I want to start my own business in the future. Therefore the MSc in Small Business and Entrepreneurship was the first programme that came into my mind.
The study contains many practical assignments, where I get the chance to cooperate with small companies. Thereby I learn more about the companies and understand how they work. Moreover, through cooperation with the companies and guest speakers on campus, I get the opportunity to get in touch with many professionals. Essentially the programme helps me to build a good network and to get a clearer picture of what my future can look like. (Roelof Geert Schuurman | MSc BA - Small Business and Entrepreneurship)