Practical learning ✔ Delivered by experts ✔ Designed for SMEs ✔
Help to Grow: Management Course is a practical leadership and management programme designed to help SME leaders strengthen their business and achieve sustainable growth. The course is delivered by DMU's Leicester Castle Business School, which is accredited by the Small Business Charter. Nationally, more than 30,000 SME owners have already benefited from attending Help to Grow: Management Course at leading UK business schools.
At DMU, we help small and medium-sized businesses build the leadership, strategy and management skills they need to tackle challenges, improve performance and achieve sustainable growth.
“Unbelievably brilliant.”
Angela Orton, Director of King's Award for Innovation-winning Structural Adhesives and Help to Grow: Management Course participant
Upcoming cohorts
Our September cohort is now full, but you can book on to our January 2027 cohort here. Want to find out more before you book? Have a chat with our team – we’ll be happy to talk through the programme and help you decide if it’s a good fit for you and your business.
Help to Grow: Management Course is designed to give you the skills, confidence and practical tools to make a difference in your business. By the end of the programme, you will be better equipped to:
- Identify opportunities to grow your business and reach new markets
- Improve productivity and business performance
- Develop a clear and practical plan for growth
- Lead, motivate and get the best from your team
- Make confident strategic decisions
- Adapt to change and build a more resilient business
What's involved?
The course combines practical learning, expert support and peer learning, designed to fit around the demands of running a business. By the end of the programme, you'll have developed a practical growth plan for your business, with clear actions you can put into practice.
What's covered
- Strategy, growth and innovation
- Reaching new markets and customers
- Leading a high-performing business
- Building a strong brand and business vision
- Engaging and motivating your team
- Creating value for your customers
- Using digital technology and AI to improve productivity
- Building a responsible and sustainable business
- Understanding and managing your finances
How does it work?
- Eight 2-hour online sessions delivered by business experts
- Four interactive, practical case study workshop sessions at DMU
- 1:1 personalised support for your business growth plan from a mentor
- Peer group support including group calls to share ideas and experiences
- Alumni programme including networking, speakers and business clinics
Who is eligible?
SME leaders and managers from a wide range of sectors have already benefited from Help to Grow: Management. To be eligible for the programme, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- Your small or medium-sized business employs between 5 and 249 people*
- Your business is at least one year old
- You are an owner, leader or decision maker with at least one team member
*Businesses with 5 - 9 employees are eligible for one participant on the course, with two able to attend per programme for businesses with 10 – 249 staff.
If you have a question, or would like more information, please email us at h2gm@dmu.ac.uk.
How much does it cost?
The 12-week programme is 90% funded by the Government. To discuss payment options, including any bursary support that may be available, contact our Help to Grow team at h2gm@dmu.ac.uk.
Case studies