Business Accelerator is an SCQF Level 8 enterprise module delivered within the University of the West of Scotland’s business programmes. Around 80 students take the module each year, with enrolment expected to increase as it becomes a core component of the curriculum. The module supports students in developing entrepreneurial knowledge, skills and mindsets, helping them recognise their own entrepreneurial potential and explore opportunities to create or lead innovative ventures.
Context and Rationale
Entrepreneurship education has become an important element of university curricula worldwide as institutions respond to student demand, industry needs and wider societal challenges. While enterprise education is widely implemented, evaluating its effectiveness remains complex.
The Business Accelerator module was developed using research-informed approaches and practical enterprise education models developed at UWS. The module applies a longitudinal evaluation framework to measure how students’ perceptions of entrepreneurial knowledge, mindset and skills evolve throughout the course.
By focusing on experiential learning and reflective practice, the module helps students move beyond theoretical understanding of entrepreneurship towards developing the confidence and capability to act entrepreneurially, whether by starting their own venture or contributing innovatively within an organisation.
The Learning Activity
Business Accelerator is designed for students who may wish to start their own business or apply entrepreneurial thinking within organisations as intrapreneurs.
The module is delivered by experienced enterprise practitioners and uses interactive teaching approaches within collaborative learning environments. Students engage with practical tools and frameworks that support venture development and entrepreneurial decision-making.
A central component of the module is a group project in which students design a new small or medium-sized enterprise (SME). Working in teams, students develop a business concept using the Business Model Canvas, analysing the desirability, viability and feasibility of their proposed venture.
Students then build a feasibility plan outlining the opportunities and risks the venture may encounter and explaining how the business could realistically be launched. This process encourages students to evaluate market needs, resource requirements and strategic challenges faced by new businesses.
In a second assessment, students complete an individual reflection using an Entrepreneurial Competencies Scorecard. This activity encourages learners to evaluate their own entrepreneurial strengths and identify areas for further development, linking personal capability to venture creation and business growth.
Through these activities, students apply theoretical knowledge to realistic business scenarios while developing the analytical and strategic thinking required for entrepreneurial practice.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
The module supports the development of a wide range of entrepreneurial competencies by combining theoretical learning with practical application.
Students strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills as they evaluate business opportunities and assess the resources required to launch a venture. Team-based projects encourage collaboration and leadership, while reflective assessments help students understand their own entrepreneurial capabilities.
The module also develops competencies such as creativity, innovation, problem solving and communication, alongside technical and digital skills relevant to contemporary business environments. Teaching approaches include interactive learning activities and gamified elements designed to increase engagement and encourage peer learning.
Overall, the module helps students build the confidence and adaptability needed to apply entrepreneurial thinking in both new ventures and organisational settings.
Impact and Outcomes
Over the past eight years, the Business Accelerator module has consistently delivered strong learning outcomes and high levels of student engagement. Student satisfaction ratings have remained exceptionally high, with the module regularly achieving top scores in module evaluation surveys.
The module has also gained national and international recognition for its innovative approach to enterprise education, including recognition as a Small Business Charter Exemplar.
By combining action learning, reflective practice and experiential teaching approaches, Business Accelerator supports the University’s wider aim of developing entrepreneurial graduates equipped with the skills valued by employers. Many students continue their enterprise journey after completing the module by participating in business competitions, venture development activities and other entrepreneurial initiatives.
Student Feedback
“I’ve learned more in three months in this module than I’ve learned in three years here.”
Further Information
Guardian University Awards 2018: the winners – The Guardian
CABS Small Business Charter Exemplar for Enterprise Education – UWS Academic Portal
Business Accelerator Research Case Study (ET-03-2019-0052)