Business leaders will have all their fees paid if they register now for the Help to Grow programme which from November will be delivered for the first time in Northamptonshire by University of Northampton.
Help to Grow: Management is supported by the Department for Business and Trade through the Small Business Charter and is a 12-week course providing practical leadership and management training, mentoring and networking.
Being delivered by University of Northampton means business leaders can access this nationally recognised programme in Northamptonshire, removing the need to travel outside the county.
The programme is designed for business with between 5 and 249 employees and course modules include: strategy and innovation, digital transformation, winning new markets, developing a marketing strategy and implementing a growth strategy.
The programme has commercial value of around £7,500 and is 90% funded by HM Government. The University is also able to offer bursaries to cover the remaining 10% participant contribution for a number of businesses, meaning they have a chance to attend at no cost if they register by Monday 1 September 2026.
Dr Al-Amin Dabo, UON Associate Professor and the University’s Lead for Help to Grow said: “Northamptonshire is a fantastic place to start and grow a business. However, sustained growth requires strong leadership, strategic thinking and the confidence to navigate new challenges. Help to Grow equips business leaders with the knowledge, networks and practical tools to achieve that goal.”
He added: “The University of Northampton was awarded the Small Business Charter last year, so it is really pleasing to see that they have they faith in our ability to deliver the Help to Grow programme so soon.
“Places on the inaugural Northamptonshire cohort are limited, so I urge Northamptonshire business to step forward, take this opportunity for growth and pave the way to prosperity in Northamptonshire by ensuring this vital programme remains available in our county.”
Delivered by leading business schools across the UK, Help to Grow has already supported 10,000 of SME leaders nationwide, with 92% reporting improved confidence and 91% citing enhanced management and leadership skills.
Help to Grow starts in Northampton in November 2026, to request more information or register for the training, visit the Help to Grow website.
To find out more about the range of business support available to at UON including research, consultancy and knowledge transfer partnerships, visit the business section on the University website.