Boost for SMEs: Help to Grow and Small Business Council

With small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contributing significantly to the UK economy, the government aims to make 2024 the year of the SME

The UK government has updated its Help to Grow campaign and formed a Small Business Council as part of its commitment to supporting the UK's 5.5 million small businesses.

The new Small Business Council will serve as a dedicated platform for SME leaders nationwide, ensuring their voices are heard within the government.

In addition to the Council, the Help to Grow campaign and website have undergone a refresh, offering a comprehensive 'one-stop shop' for SMEs seeking support and guidance.

Help to Grow website

The website includes resources to help businesses identify available funding, access webinars, and navigate the essentials of establishing and scaling up a business.

The updated site brings together the support on offer from the government into one place, making it quicker and more convenient to find the resources business leaders and budding entrepreneurs need to succeed. 

Visit the refreshed Help to Grow website.

Help to Grow: Management Course

As part of the campaign update, further Help to Grow: Management Courses will be available, offering a 12-week programme to enhance leadership and management skills for SMEs.

With 90% government subsidy, the scheme aims to assist up to 30,000 businesses during its lifetime, building on the success of the nearly 8,000 businesses already supported.

Find out more about Help to Grow: Management Courses or find a Help to Grow: Management Course in Northern Ireland.

Help to Grow: Management Essentials

Building on the success of the Help to Grow: Management Course, the government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials in April 2024. This free self-guided online course includes bite-sized videos and online resources on different business topics.

First published 6 February 2023