The Small Business Institute of Christopher Newport University has earned numerous national first place awards as best in the nation. Our projects [called “Cases”], are produced by senior level students enrolled in the senior capstone management course entitled, the Small Business Institute. We have garnered best undergraduate case awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 as well as the coveted "Showcase Award" for the best field-based consulting program. The Showcase Award identifies the SBI Program, along with the program's Director, that is deserving of recognition for innovative development or management, or that through SBI efforts, contributed to a true small business client success story.

The Case of the Year competition recognizes outstanding student work on field based consulting cases. A respected panel of national judges evaluates the written cases and the award is announced at the annual conference.

Our senior students work to improve real live businesses in the region. Our volunteer business clients receive free practical business advice from a team of senior level business and information systems students who participate in the semester-long field-based consulting course under the direct supervision of the SBI Director. Students fully analyze the current practices of the business and its competition using SWOT techniques, Gantt charts, legal audits and a variety of industry specific analytic tools. They conduct original research, and review the accounting, financial, marketing, legal, HR and operations techniques of the firm. Student teams then create business plans, marketing plans, timelines for action, financial plans, as well as completely re-design or originate websites for e-commerce for the business clients. Each custom-tailored project or “case” will include specialized business advice appropriate to the client.

One of the required outcomes of the business consulting experience is the creation and actual implementation of the business advice. Thus, the student team must develop practical, innovative and cost effective changes to benefit the business. The Luter School’s Small Business Institute projects are known for a particular project feature: “One Dozen Low Cost/No Cost Improvements©” which are easily executable and inexpensive improvements the business can adopt to improve efficiency and profitability.

At the end of each semester, each team of student consultants produce a written “case”  describing the entire body of research, results and improvements, with creative media for TV advertisements, radio ads, and website. Our written SBI cases are then entered into a national competition; this external review is a validation of the rigor of the Small Business Institute. Student team members log an average of over 500 hours during the semester on their project.  Our students have found the SBI experience to be challenging and rewarding; it firmly requires academic theories to be put to the test of reality and is a very “hands on” applied learning experience!