The Help to Grow: Management Course offers business leaders 50 hours of leadership and management training across 12 weeks, backed by £220 million of government funding, which covers 90% of the costs involved.

It means for as little as £750 business leaders can benefit from one-to-one support from a business mentor, access to a network of like-minded business leaders, and a bespoke growth plan to help the business reach its full potential.

The course offers development opportunities for business leaders, boosting productivity and growing their companies which can lead to more high-skill, high-wage jobs. This is part of the government’s commitment to grow the economy to address the cost of living and level up opportunity across the UK, alongside standing behind businesses by cutting fuel duty and raising the Employment Allowance. Courses are delivered by business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter.

The two Business Schools that are delivering the course in Northern Ireland are the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute of Queen’s University Belfast and the Ulster University Business School.

Professor Mark Durkin, Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School opened the event and Professor M.N. Ravishankar, Head of School at Queen’s Business School closed the event. UK Government Small Business Minister Paul Scully delivered a recorded message.

Courses have been running at business schools since June 2021. Feedback on the training has been excellent, with business leaders reporting they benefit from greater confidence in leading and managing their businesses as a result of their participation.

Find out more about the Help to Grow: Management Course here.

UK Government Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “Seizing opportunity is what being a business leader is all about, and our Help to Grow: Management Course gives entrepreneurs the chance to access the very best advice on how to innovate, reach new customers and boost profits. The practical training scheme is 90% funded by the government and designed around busy business owners’ schedules, so I would encourage entrepreneurs across the UK to get involved and maximise the potential of their business.”

Professor M. N. Ravishankar, Dean and Head of School at Queen’s Business School, said: “Supporting Northern Ireland’s business leaders and the SME community is central to our focus at Queen’s Business School. The Help to Grow: Management Course offers Northern Ireland’s small business leaders the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge and to better prepare for the future.”

Professor Mark Durkin, Executive Dean, Ulster University Business School, said: “Ulster University Business School is looking forward to welcoming Help to Grow: Management Course participants from across Northern Ireland to its Ulster campuses. The programme will sit alongside an established and very successful portfolio of applied programmes which we offer in support of SMEs across the regional economy.”

This programme is due to commence in September 2022. Click here for more information.