The Help to Grow: Management Course is a 12-week leadership and management programme designed for senior leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to:
The course combines online learning with face-to-face sessions, enabling you to apply what you learn directly to your business.
Delivered by the ARU's Faculty of Business and Law and accredited by the Small Business Charter, the programme brings together expert teaching, peer networking, and practical application to help you address real business challenges.
Find out more about the Small Business Charter-Help to Grow: Management Course.
Designed to fit around your business commitments the course includes a blend of structured learning, peer interaction, and practical application covering:
Participants work alongside other SME leaders, sharing experiences, challenges, and insights.
You will receive tailored support from experienced business mentors to help apply learning to your organisation.
Throughout the course, you will develop a live business growth plan that can be implemented immediately.
The course is 90% funded by the UK Government, making it a highly accessible opportunity for SMEs.
To further support businesses, ARU offers bursary places to cover the remaining £750 fee. Please contact us for further information and eligibility.
"I extend my sincere appreciation for your invaluable support throughout the 'Help to Grow' course. The insights and assistance I received were instrumental in my learning and growth. Initially, I approached the course with some apprehension, having been away from a learning environment for an extended period. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the welcoming and supportive nature of both the lecturers and my fellow students. The course modules not only guided me in formulating a comprehensive 'growth' plan but also prompted me to critically evaluate my existing business and business model. As a result, I now have two well-defined plans—one for the enhancement of my current business (sales) and another for the expansion of my growth plan into 'lettings'. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in making this learning experience enriching and rewarding"
Mark Ewin - Mark Ewin Estate Agents
"I am incredibly grateful for the Help to Grow Programme at ARU. The teachers / team were not only welcoming and supportive, but I also gained so much insight from them and the other students. Growing a business can often feel isolating, and it’s not always easy to find the right answers. This programme gave me the opportunity to revisit the foundations, refine my business, and learn strategies that will support growth now and in the future. It’s an invaluable resource for small business owners like me who are ready to take their next step with confidence".
Lauren Rogers - LTM Assistants
The Help to Grow: Management Course is designed for business owners, leaders, and senior managers across all sectors.
To be eligible:
The applicant must:
If your business employs:
Please refer to the FAQs for further details.
For more information, please contact our team: [email protected]
How to Expand and Scale Your SME: Start with Frontline Staff | Small Business Charter
Help to Grow: Management Course marks over 14,000 enrolments -new evaluation data