Help to Grow: Management Course

Accelerate your SME’s growth with Salford Business School

Strengthen your leadership, unlock new revenue opportunities, and build a long‑term growth strategy. The Help to Grow: Management Course at the Centre for Sustainable Innovation, University of Salford is a 12‑week, government‑backed programme designed for SME leaders who want to scale confidently and sustainably.

Next cohort: TBC

join our interest list to be the first to hear when dates are released.

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Why Choose Salford for Help to Grow?

Our programme blends academic excellence, innovation expertise, and real-world industry insight.

What makes us different?

• Delivered by the Centre for Sustainable Innovation
  Go beyond traditional business education. Our course is delivered by a team specialising in digital adoption, innovation strategy, and sustainable growth, giving SMEs a future‑focused competitive edge.
• Small Business Charter accredited
  The programme is nationally accredited, giving you confidence in the quality, impact, and relevance for growing SMEs.
• Tailored mentoring from industry experts
  Receive 1:1 mentoring from experienced senior leaders who understand the realities of running and scaling a business.
• Designed for busy SME leaders
  With a mix of online sessions (75%) and in‑person workshops (25%), you can upskill and focus on working on the business and not just in it.
• A network of ambitious North West leaders
  Join a growing community of founders, directors and senior managers shaping the future of business in the region.

What you’ll gain

• Stronger strategic decision‑making
• A personalised Growth Action Plan tailored to your business
• Fresh perspectives by stepping back from daily operations
• New ideas and tools for innovation, financial management and digital transformation
• A powerful peer community for shared learning and future collaborations

Programme structure

A high‑impact, carefully designed learning journey:

• Seven online sessions (two hours each)
• Five in‑person workshops
• 1:1 personalised mentoring
• Peer group calls
• Alumni events and networking opportunities

The government funds 90% of the course, so SME leaders pay only £750. Full details of the course available on the Small Business Charter website.

Eligibility criteria

You’ll:

• Work for a UK‑based SME
• Have five–249 employees
• Be part of the senior leadership team with management responsibility
• Have operated for over one year

Not sure if you qualify? Get in touch with us at sustainable-innovation@salford.ac.uk

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

• Business owners
• Directors and senior managers
• Operational leads
• Growth‑focused SME leaders

Whether you’re planning to scale, stabilise, or transform, this programme gives you the structure and support to do it confidently.

Be the first to receive confirmed dates, bursary information, and enrolment guidance.

Hear from our community

Explore real success stories from business leaders who have transformed their organisations with Help to Grow: Management.

Not sure if Help to Grow is the right fit?

Whether you’re exploring the course or unsure about your eligibility, our team is here to help. Not the right fit? Explore our other funded programmes.