Start Date
January 2026
Format
Online, Face-to-face, One-to-one Mentoring
Duration
12 weeks
Location
Cavendish Building, Derby
Fees
£750 (90% funded)
Overview
Help to Grow: Management is a practical training course delivered by world-class business schools, accredited by the Small Business Charter focusing on building and strengthening your capabilities to lead your business and release its potential, delivered by the University of Derby across Derbyshire.
This course incorporates hybrid learning, peer group networks and mentoring and will support managers and leaders of small and medium-sized businesses to boost business performance, resilience, and long-term growth.
The 12-week course is 90% funded and the fee payable by participants is £750. The course has been designed to allow participants to complete it alongside full-time work.
Benefits of the course
- Enhance your management and strategic capabilities
- Produce a growth plan for your business
- Build resilience to future shocks
- Learn how to innovate in your business
- Adopt digital technologies to boost productivity and operational agility
- Develop your value proposition and reach into growth markets
- Improve employee engagement and responsible business practices
Course Content
This practical programme takes place over three months and will include both online and face-to-face sessions, alongside peer support and mentoring.
The course is built around a practical curriculum that features
- Eight facilitated online two-hour sessions
- Four face-to-face practical and interactive case study workshops
- Ten hours of one-to-one mentoring support from a dedicated mentor providing you with personalised support to develop your business growth plan
- Peer networking through online peer group meetings that give you the opportunity to share experiences with a small group of other small business leaders
- Access to the Alumni Programme featuring events with inspirational speakers, business clinics and networking events
The course will cover key areas of leadership including
- Strategy and innovation
- Growing national and international markets
- Leading for high performance
- Using marketing to build vision and brand
- Engaging and inspiring teams
- Adopting digital technology
- Creating customer value
- Adopting responsible business practices
- Financial management
How you learn
- online sessions
- face-to-face learning
- one-to-one mentoring
About the University of Derby
Powering your potential, wherever you’re starting from.
We partner with the University of Derby because of their strong track record in delivering career-focused education underpinned by real-world impact. Like us, Derby believes education should transform lives and meet the changing needs of students, professionals, and industries alike.
The University of Derby is a modern, career-focused university located in the heart of England. Known for its supportive community, cutting-edge research, and real-world teaching, Derby has earned a reputation for delivering education that makes a difference.
Why choose Derby?
- Top 5 in the UK for Employability – Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025
- Top 5 for Course Quality – Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025
- Top 15 UK University – Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025
- 96% of Graduates in Work or Further Study – Latest HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey
- Top 25 in the UK for Overall Student Satisfaction – Complete University Guide 2025
Postgraduate excellence
A postgraduate qualification from Derby is more than a degree – it’s an investment in your potential. With flexible study options, including online and block delivery, you can shape your learning to fit your life. You’ll benefit from:
- Top 10 in the UK for Postgraduate Study – Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
- Top 15 for Teaching and Skills Development – Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024
- World-leading academics driving research in critical areas such as sustainability, AI, and zero carbon
- Strong industry links and professional body accreditations
- Real-world projects and practical learning
A welcoming, student-friendly city
Derby is a vibrant, diverse, and safe city, officially recognised with Purple Flag status. Rich in history and full of places to relax, explore and connect, it’s a place where you’ll quickly feel at home.
International community
Join over 2,000 international students from more than 100 countries who have chosen Derby as their academic home.
Your story starts here. Apply today, and let Derby be the launchpad for your next chapter.
Entry Requirements
- Your business must employ between five and 249 employees
- Your business must be at least one year old
- Participants must be a leader or decision-maker with at least one direct report
- Your business must not be a charity
- Businesses with five to nine employees are allowed one participant in the programme
- Businesses with ten to 249 employees are allowed two participants in the programme
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