Engaged Learning and Outreach through the Small Business Institute

The small business management course has a long history in the Department of Management at East Carolina University. In 1972, the Small Business Institute® (SBI) model was initiated through a partnership between the Small Business Administration and eight select universities in the United States. The SBI model is based on an engaged learning experience where student teams complete consulting projects for regional small business owners. This experience allows students to gain firsthand knowledge of the complexities of managing a small business, while providing the clients with recommendations aimed at resolving key business problems. These reports include a section with creative recommendations, along with a budget and implementation plan.

From the most recent SBI Conference

In 1974, ECU adopted the SBI model as a way to teach small business management. The original SBI professor and director was Dr. Buck Keusch. Since 1974, the course has been taught each semester in the Department of Management. During this 41 year span, the ECU SBI program has completed consulting projects for approximately 590 clients. The SBI directors following Dr. Keusch include Mrs. Pam Hart and Mr. Stephen Childers. In Fall 2000, I assumed the role of professor of the small business management course and director of the SBI program.

Since 2000, I have had the privilege of working with approximately 600 business students, who have completed 96 consulting projects for regional small businesses.  These students have accumulated over 40,000 hours of fieldwork for these projects. Some of my former students have gone on to start their own businesses, serve as managers for both large and small firms, and become successful physicians and attorneys.

The great work of these students has been highlighted by our achievements in the National Small Business Institute® Project-of-the-Year Competition. There are numerous other universities throughout the country that host SBI programs. Each year these programs are allowed to submit their best projects for the national competition. I am very proud that ECU has placed in the Top 3 in this competition for nine out of the last ten years, including FIVE first place finishes. These accomplishments can be directly attributed to the hard work on our students, and our ability to work with great regional small business owners.

For more information about the ECU SBI program, please visit our website:  http://www.ecu.edu/cs-bus/sbi/index.cfm

Dr. Michael Harris, Associate Professor & Chair

Director, Small Business Institute®

Department of Management, College of Business

Editor, Small Business Institute® Journal

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