In order to foster small business successes, the U.S. Small Business Administration and over 500 business schools from leading colleges and universities formed the Small Business Institute® (SBI) Program in 1972.  Although the Small Business Administration no longer co-sponsors the SBI program, the program continues as the premier field case study program in the United States.

Since 1982, under the direction of Dr. Charles H. Matthews, the SBI Program at the University of Cincinnat has garnered local, regional, and national recognition as one of the best in the country.