Subsidised Help to Grow course available for SME business leaders in South West

Senior leaders in the south west of England can now sign up to a government-subsidised practical management training programme delivered by UWE Bristol’s business school. Help to Grow is a 12-week course aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and is accredited by the Small Business Charter.

The programme combines online sessions with face-to-face learning, alongside peer support and mentoring. Participants can also hear from inspirational business leaders and learn alongside local peers, with access to a national alumni network. The course, which costs £750 and is 90% subsidised by the Government, is designed to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.

Help to Grow is open to SMEs in Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire, North Somerset and the West of England Combined Authority area (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire). SMEs located in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset are also able to apply.

The programme has several start dates between now and the end of March in locations including Bristol, Trowbridge, Salisbury, Exeter and St Austell.

Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “Seizing opportunity is what being a business leader is all about, and our Help to Grow Management Scheme gives entrepreneurs the chance to access the very best advice on how to innovate, reach new customers and boost profits.

“The practical training scheme is 90% funded by the Government and designed around busy business owners’ schedules, so I would encourage entrepreneurs across the UK to get involved and maximise the potential of their business.”

UWE Bristol Programme Director Dan Knox said: “The Help to Grow Management Programme represents an excellent opportunity for SMEs to obtain support to grow, to identify new opportunities and to overcome business challenges. 

“We at UWE Bristol are delighted to be able to offer the programme across the south-west of England and to reach into the communities in which our regional SMEs operate. We are committed to working with businesses and communities to drive innovation, contribute to sustainable economic growth and to maximise the positive impacts of businesses in our region.”

Find out more about the courses available and book your place.