Help to Grow: Business Courses for Small Business Owners

Running a small business in the UK is a big adventure. It can be full of excitement and opportunity, but it can also feel lonely and overwhelming, especially in those moments where you’re doing it all on your own. That’s exactly why the Small Business Charter has created two courses designed specifically for SMEs: to give you the confidence, support, and inspiration to keep building your dream. Whether you’re leading a growing team or just taking your first steps, there’s a course that can help you unlock your potential.

Key Takeaways

• Two options to choose from: Help to Grow: Management (for established SMEs) and Help to Grow: Management Essentials (for sole traders and start-ups).
• Practical, real-world learning: Delivered by experts who understand the challenges of running a business.
• Affordable and accessible: The Management Course is 90% government-funded (£750 per person); the Essentials Course is completely free.
• Flexible formats: A structured 12-week programme or a self-paced online course.
• Focused on growth: Develop strategies, work with experienced business mentors, and join a supportive peer network.

The Help to Grow: Management Course

Leading a business can sometimes feel like you’re constantly switching hats, one moment dealing with finances, the next motivating your team or rolling out a new marketing plan, all while trying to keep the bigger picture in sight. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise, focusing on urgent tasks instead of the strategies that drive real growth. With the right guidance, you can turn that chaos into clarity, and that’s exactly where the Help to Grow: Management Course comes in.

This 12-week programme is designed to fit around your life, with just one session a week. It will give you the tools to lead confidently and deliver meaningful change in your business.

Here’s what you’ll gain:

• 50 hours of leadership training
• 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring
• A tailored Growth Action Plan for your business
• Access to a UK-wide network of other business leaders who “get it”

What makes it even better? The course is delivered by world-class accredited business schools across the UK and taught by people with real-world experience. The advice you'll get isn’t just theory, it’s practical and ready to apply straight away.

What you’ll learn

You’ll dive into 12 modules covering everything from strategy and innovation to finance and marketing. Expect to

• Learn how to grow into new markets
• Build a strong brand and marketing strategy
• Engage your team and lead change confidently
• Improve operations and efficiency
• Create a clear, actionable growth plan

By the end of the course, you’ll have a renewed sense of confidence and a roadmap to help your business thrive.

Who can join?

This course is for established small and medium-sized businesses that:

• Are based in the UK
• Employ between 5 and 249 people
• Have been running for at least a year
• Are not a charity

You’ll also need to be a senior decision-maker (such as a CEO, Finance Director, or Operations Director) with at least one direct report. If you employ between 5 and 9 people, you can send one person. If you employ 10 or more, you can send up to two people.

How much does it cost?

The course is worth £7,500, but thanks to government funding, you’ll only pay £750 per person. It’s a small investment for the kind of growth and guidance that can make a big difference.

“I’ve no doubt that this course has played a significant role in accelerating our growth over the last two years and will continue to do so.” 

- Martyn Ackcroyd, Co-founder and CEO, ACCU

Help to Grow: Management Essentials

Not eligible for the Management Course? No problem! The Help to Grow: Management Essentials Course is designed for sole traders and start-ups by the same expert team. It gives you the tools you need for growth, completely free and fully online, so you can start building confidence and thinking more strategically about your business.

You’ll have access to:

• 17 short, bite-sized videos (5–7 minutes each)
• Extra resources to help you explore key concepts
• A certificate once you’ve completed all the modules

What you’ll learn

The course is split into three simple modules:

1. Uncover your business potential and set your goals: Reflect on where your business is now and what success looks like.
2. Step up to the next level - strategies for growth: Explore growth strategies in marketing, operations, and HR.
3. From ideas to action - putting it all together: Set your strategic direction and create a plan to achieve your goals.

Whether you’re building confidence, refreshing your skills, or looking for new inspiration, the Essentials course adapts to you. It can help newer leaders start thinking strategically, give experienced leaders a chance to revisit key concepts, and encourage rising stars in your team to step up and contribute more actively.

“These videos are jam-packed with inspiration and practical tips for small business leaders. I wish I’d had this type of resource available to me when I was scaling my business.” 

- Byron Dixon, Founder and CEO, Micro-Fresh

Choosing the right course

Think about where you are on your journey:

• Help to Grow: Management Course – if you’re established and ready to scale, this is your chance to work with experienced business mentors, learn alongside peers, and walk away with a solid growth plan.
• Help to Grow: Management Essentials – if you’re a sole trader or start-up, this course is the perfect way to start thinking bigger, at your own pace.

Both options are designed with one thing in mind: helping you grow your business with confidence, clarity, and support.

Ready to take the next step?

Every successful business started with a decision to invest in learning and growth. Why not make that decision today? Sign up and join a community of ambitious small business owners who are turning their ideas into long-term success. Whether you’re managing a team or going it alone, the Help to Grow courses are here to guide you.

Does part of your growth journey involve becoming a limited company? Companies MadeSimple can help you get started. Form your company with us today and take the next step towards building your future. You can also learn more about the advantages of a limited company or see how we can help you file your confirmation statement to stay compliant as you grow.

For more details about the courses, visit the official Help to Grow: Management Course page or the Help to Grow: Management Essentials page.