The University of Sunderland Business School delivers the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) Help to Grow: Management Course — a practical, government-backed leadership course designed to help SME leaders drive innovation, improve productivity and achieve sustainable growth.
Through expert-led workshops, peer learning, mentoring and a personalised Growth Action Plan, the course gives business owners and senior leaders the tools, confidence and network needed to succeed in today’s fast-changing business environment.
Why Choose Help to Grow?
- Fully funded – the Government funds 90% of the course cost, and the University of Sunderland covers the remaining £750 participant contribution.
- Proven impact – thousands of SME leaders across the UK have already benefited from the programme.
- Highly recommended – 93% of participants would recommend Help to Grow to other business leaders.
- Practical and relevant – learn strategies you can apply immediately to improve business performance.
Build valuable connections – collaborate with fellow SME leaders and join a growing alumni network
What You’ll Learn
Over 12 weeks, you’ll explore key areas essential for business growth, including:
→ Strategic Planning and Innovation
→ Digital Transformation
→ Winning New Markets
→ Vision, Mission and Values
→ Marketing Strategy
→ Brand Development
→ Organisational Design
→ Leadership, Engagement and Change Management
→ Creating High-Performance Workplaces
→ Operational Effectiveness
→ Finance and Financial Management
→ Implementing Growth Plans
You will also benefit from:
- One-to-one mentoring
- Peer networking and collaboration
- A tailored Growth Action Plan for your business
More Than a Leadership Programme
Help to Grow is also an opportunity to become part of a thriving community of ambitious business leaders.
Participants gain access to:
- An active SME alumni network
- Peer support and collaboration opportunities
- Future business and networking events
- Wider University of Sunderland innovation and enterprise support
- Knowledge exchange projects
- Graduate talent and professional development opportunities
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Operate a UK-based SME
- Employ between 5 and 249 people
- Hold senior management or leadership responsibilities
Next Cohort Start Date: 7 October 2026
Find Out More
If you’re a business owner, director or senior manager looking to strengthen your leadership capability, accelerate growth and future-proof your business, Help to Grow: Management could be the ideal next step.
Email: helptogrow@sunderland.ac.uk
