The UCL School of Management is delighted to announce its receipt of the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centres (GCEC) Award for Excellence in Specialised Entrepreneurship Education. This accolade recognises the School’s commitment to impactful entrepreneurship education through the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine lecture series. Co-developed by Visiting Scholar Nataliia Hrytsiuk and Pierre-Jean (PJ) Hanard, Entrepreneurship Education Lead, the programme supports Ukrainian refugees through targeted entrepreneurship education.
Launched in 2023, the lecture series provides a comprehensive ten-week programme designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to transform their business ideas into viable ventures. Delivered in Ukrainian, the curriculum addresses key aspects of venture creation, focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities within both Ukrainian and UK business landscapes. The programme culminates in a Pitch Day, where participants present their start-up concepts to industry experts and potential investors. The next Pitch Day is scheduled for 04 December 2024 in Canary Wharf.
The GCEC Award for Excellence in Specialised Entrepreneurship Education recognises institutions that deliver exceptional entrepreneurship education tailored to specific audiences or focus areas, such as social entrepreneurship, technology transfer, or women in entrepreneurship. The UCL School of Management was selected from among the leading entrepreneurship programmes worldwide, highlighting its innovative educational approach and its dedication to driving societal impact.
In addition to the GCEC award, the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine lecture series has received further prestigious accolades. In March 2024, it was named a “2024 Innovations That Inspire” honouree by AACSB International. Additionally, at the 2024 National Enterprise Educator Awards (NEEA), the lecture series received the People’s Choice Award and was highly commended in the Enterprise for Good category. These honours underscore the programme’s significant impact on fostering entrepreneurship for societal benefit.
Pierre-Jean (PJ) Hanard, Entrepreneurship Education Lead at the UCL School of Management, said: “This award highlights the strength of entrepreneurship education at the UCL School of Management and its ability to drive meaningful societal impact. The programme shows how education can empower individuals and foster resilience during challenging times. This recognition is not just an honour for our School but a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Ukrainian community we are proud to support. It reaffirms our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and creating an environment where transformative ideas can thrive, even in the most difficult circumstances.”
Nataliia Hrytsiuk, Visiting Scholar at the UCL School of Management, added:
“This programme is about more than entrepreneurship—it is about empowering individuals to rebuild their lives and communities. Seeing participants gain confidence, develop their ideas, and take steps toward a brighter future is deeply rewarding. It is a privilege to contribute to an initiative that inspires resilience and fosters meaningful change.”
The UCL School of Management plans to continue and expand the lecture series to reach a broader audience of Ukrainian refugees. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, promoting inclusive, quality education and sustained economic growth through entrepreneurship.
