As a mechanism to encourage students, close to completing their studies, to put their knowledge into practice giving free business advice to micro and small businesses or organizations of a productive solidarity economy, Decree 1646 of 2021 regulates the implementation and structuring of business aid clinics in universities that are interested in doing it. Decree 1646 of 2021 has established, among other things, the provenance requirements, and operating requirements for business aid clinics.
It is determined that business aid clinics will provide assistance in different subjects, such as economics, finance, accounting, business administration, law, engineering design, or related careers; therefore, the universities that are interested in having a business aid clinic must demonstrate that the academic programs related to these subjects have a qualified registry from the Ministry of National Education. The universities may also freely determine the subjects in which they will provide advice.
Universities that intend to create business aid clinics must meet the following requirements:
- Be directed by a qualified professional dedicated exclusively to the aid clinic, who has experience in teaching or a professional practice of no less than five (5) years.
- Have qualified professional advisers with professional experience of no less than three (3) years in each of the areas in which the clinics provide services.
- Have a monitor in each of the areas for every twenty (20) students enrolled in the clinic.
- Have spaces in adequate conditions for the development of the required work of teachers, monitors and students.
Students who provide consulting services in the business aid clinics must have completed at least 80% of their respective academic programs and must be able to develop their professional practice.
It is also determined that the institutions that have a legal aid clinic authorized by the Ministry of Justice and Law, may articulate it with the business aid clinic.
See complete text on Decreto 1646 de 2021