The International Council for Small Business (ICSB) has announced the global finalists for its Entrepreneurial Educator Excellence Award, with Deakin University’s Business Development Clinic (BDC) leadership team named among those recognised.
This award honours educators who are redefining entrepreneurship education – championing innovative approaches that bridge the gap between theory and practice, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers.
The recognition continues a strong pattern for the BDC and its leaders, who have been consistently acknowledged across multiple national and international platforms for pioneering real-world, impact-driven learning experiences that connect Deakin students directly with global SMEs.
Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) is the world’s oldest and largest organisation dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship research, education, and policy. With members in over 80 countries, the ICSB works closely with universities, governments, and industry to promote entrepreneurial development as a driver of global economic progress.
Winners of the ICSB Entrepreneurial Educator Excellence Award will be announced at the ICSB 2025 World Congress in Cairo, Egypt.
Representing Deakin University at the in Cairo, Dr Wade Halvorson said he looks forward to sharing Deakin’s experience in embedding entrepreneurship education through authentic industry engagement.
“This recognition reinforces Deakin’s leadership in developing practice-based learning that doesn’t just teach entrepreneurship, but activates it,” said Dr Halvorson. “It’s exciting to be part of a global community that values innovation in education and real-world business impact.”
“It’s a real privilege to see the BDC recognised on a global stage,” said BDC’s Professor-of-Practice Pete Williams “It’s proof that when you combine entrepreneurial thinking with real-world experience, you can create genuine impact = for both students and the businesses they serve.”