Business owners and senior leaders across Northamptonshire are being invited to join the University of Northampton’s first Help to Grow: Management programme, starting on 4th November 2026.

The 12-week, Government-backed programme is designed specifically for leaders of established SMEs who want to strengthen their management skills, improve business performance and plan for future growth.

Participants will explore practical areas including strategy and innovation, digital transformation, winning new markets, marketing, employee engagement, operations and financial management. The programme also includes peer learning, one-to-one mentoring and support to develop a practical Growth Action Plan for their own business.

The programme is 90% funded by HM Government and is open to senior decision-makers in eligible UK SMEs employing 5-249 people.
The University of Northampton is also offering a bursary to cover the remaining participant contribution, subject to registration and confirmation of eligibility. This means eligible SME leaders who receive the bursary can participate at no cost to themselves or their business.

Applications are now open for the November cohort.

Apply for Help to Grow: Management

Help to Grow – what does the evidence say?

An independent evaluation of the national Help to Grow: Management programme, published in 2026, found:

• 9,847 SME leaders participated across 617 cohorts delivered by 66 business schools between 2021 and 2025.
• Programme completers were significantly more confident in their management and leadership skills and their ability to achieve business goals despite obstacles.
• 90% of completers shared their learning with colleagues within six weeks of completing the programme.
• Participants reported positive changes in areas including employee engagement, leadership relationships and innovation.
• The evaluation found that participation increased business survival rates, providing evidence of the programme’s contribution to business resilience.
Whether the priority is improving productivity, developing your team, adopting digital technologies, reaching new markets or planning the next stage of growth, Help to Grow provides an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus on what comes next for your business.
Places for the University of Northampton’s November cohort are limited.

Find out more and apply here or you can email us at helptogrow@northampton.ac.uk