Strong management and leadership are important foundations for business growth. However, many small business owners and managers have limited time to step away from day‑to‑day pressures to focus on developing these skills.

Help to Grow: Management Essentials is a government‑funded, self‑guided online course created to support leaders and senior managers in small and medium‑sized organisations. It provides a practical introduction to essential management concepts, helping participants reflect on their business and identify areas for improvement.

What is included?

The course is delivered online and can be completed at your own pace. It includes:

• A series of short, accessible video sessions
• Core management topics grouped into three modules
• Practical resources to support learning and application
• Signposting to further business support and development opportunities

The content is designed to be straightforward and relevant, making it suitable for those new to management training or looking to refresh their knowledge.

Funding support

Help to Grow: Management Essentials is completely free. The course is fully funded by government, with no course fees and no requirement to attend in‑person sessions.

Who can take part?

The course is open to:

• Leaders and senior managers of small and medium‑sized organisations
• Businesses and charities with between 1 and 249 employees
• UK‑based organisations
• Multiple people from the same organisation can register

It is particularly suitable for organisations that want to strengthen management capability but are not yet ready to commit to longer or more intensive programmes.

Why take part?

Participants gain a clearer understanding of management fundamentals, increased confidence in decision‑making, and practical tools that can be applied directly to their organisation, all without taking time away from the business.

Find out more

For full details and to register, visit the Help to Grow: Management Essentials page on the Small Business Charter website.