Subsidised Help to Grow course available for SME business leaders in South West
Senior leaders in the south west of England can now sign up to a government-subsidised practical management training programme delivered by UWE Bristol’s business school. Help to Grow is a 12-week course aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and is accredited by the Small Business Charter.
The programme combines online sessions with face-to-face learning, alongside peer support and mentoring. Participants can also hear from inspirational business leaders and learn alongside local peers, with access to a national alumni network. The course, which costs £750 and is 90% subsidised by the Government, is designed to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.
Help to Grow is open to SMEs in Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire, North Somerset and the West of England Combined Authority area (Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire). SMEs located in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset are also able to apply.
The programme has several start dates between now and the end of March in locations including Bristol, Trowbridge, Salisbury, Exeter and St Austell.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “Seizing opportunity is what being a business leader is all about, and our Help to Grow Management Scheme 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.”
UWE Bristol Programme Director Dan Knox said: “The Help to Grow Management Programme represents an excellent opportunity for SMEs to obtain support to grow, to identify new opportunities and to overcome business challenges.
“We at UWE Bristol are delighted to be able to offer the programme across the south-west of England and to reach into the communities in which our regional SMEs operate. We are committed to working with businesses and communities to drive innovation, contribute to sustainable economic growth and to maximise the positive impacts of businesses in our region.”
Find out more about the courses available and book your place.
Related news
11 July 2025
Wound dressings developed with support from UWE Bristol to be launched by global firm
Technology that a team of UWE Bristol scientists helped develop to aid the healing of chronic wounds will be used in new ‘smart dressings’ being launched by global medical company.
10 July 2025
Researcher awarded funding to develop digital health platform that connects people to local services
A UWE Bristol academic has received funding to develop an online platform that connects people to local community organisations offering health and social care support.
03 July 2025
Research lab The Brunel Centre opens to power sustainable and inclusive growth for the West of England
A new data and research centre designed to support sustainable and inclusive growth and industrial strategy in the region, has officially launched.
11 June 2025
Telling our story at UWE Bristol: RISE with us
UWE Bristol has launched RISE - standing for Research, Innovation, Skills and Enterprise - an institutional framework which shapes the University's purpose, culture and future growth.
23 May 2025
New Centre launched at UWE Bristol to drive social and economic change across Africa through HE partnerships
UWE Bristol has launched the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) — a collaborative platform to support African-led innovation, research and HE initiatives.
11 December 2024
UWE Bristol alum develops flatpack wood stove to heat homes damaged in conflict
A UWE Bristol alum has designed a flatpack wood burning stove which will provide a vital heat source for people whose homes have been damaged in areas of conflict across the world.
28 November 2024
Entrepreneur and advocate for workplace equality awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol
Dr Zara Nanu MBE, an innovator in addressing workplace inequalities and tackling the gender pay gap, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
21 November 2024
Crypto-trader training platform among eight graduate businesses to receive funding boost
A platform that trains people to trade cryptocurrency safely is one of eight graduate businesses to have received funding through UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award.
20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.
29 July 2024
Student who dedicated his time at university to helping disabled people graduates
A student who has dedicated his time at UWE Bristol to helping people with disabilities has graduated.
21 May 2024
Growth for tech innovation in Bristol as Future Space expands
UWE Bristol’s award-winning innovation centre, Future Space, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities.
18 January 2024
The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England
UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.