Expanded Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Sees Amplification
The Help to Grow: Management programme, a government-funded initiative aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the East of England, is set to expand, offering senior leaders and managers a practical, funded opportunity to develop critical growth skills with mentoring and peer support.
The 12-week course, designed to improve enterprise innovation, profitability, and overall growth strategies, is set to begin in Cambridge on 19 September 2025, with an additional cohort starting in Chelmsford on 9 January 2026. The programme is delivered by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and is 90% government-funded, with a fully-funded bursary offered by ARU for eligible businesses to cover the remaining 10% of fees, making it essentially free upon successful completion.
The programme focuses on key areas such as leadership and strategy, marketing and international markets, financial management, and employee engagement. It includes interactive workshops, peer networking opportunities, and one-on-one mentoring, and participants join a network of over 140 successful alumni for ongoing support. The programme is designed to connect SME leaders with academics and experienced business professionals, with the goal of translating cutting-edge research findings and novel business models into real-world business growth strategies.
The programme is targeted at senior leaders or managers of SMEs with direct reports, and businesses based in the East of England are eligible to apply. Prospective participants are encouraged to contact ARU or the programme coordinator for more information and to begin the application process. While specific interview criteria are not detailed for these cohorts, it is likely that an interview or assessment may be required to confirm commitment and eligibility.
If you are an SME leader in the East of England interested in scaling your business with support from academics and business experts, this programme offers a unique and valuable opportunity. Contact Anglia Ruskin University directly to check your eligibility and begin the application process.
- The University-led Help to Grow: Management programme, expanding to the East of England, promises to help SMEs scale their business, offering senior leaders and managers a free opportunity to learn critical growth skills.
- Delivered by Anglia Ruskin University, the 12-week course focuses on key areas like leadership and strategy, marketing, financial management, and employee engagement, using interactive workshops, peer networking, and mentoring.
- Participants of the programme will join a network of over 140 successful alumni for ongoing support, while benefiting from connections with academics and experienced business professionals to translate research findings and novel business models into real-world strategies.
- Eligible businesses can apply for the programme, which begins in Cambridge on 19 September 2025, or in Chelmsford on 9 January 2026, with the programme covering 90% of fees through government funding and a bursary from Anglia Ruskin University.
- Interested SME leaders in the East of England should contact Anglia Ruskin University for more information and to start the application process, as specific interview criteria may be required for confirmation of commitment and eligibility.
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