Celebrating small business success: Help to Grow: Management programme
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ARU is one of over 50 business schools participating in the Help to Grow Management programme, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expert advice, mentoring, and networking opportunities. This 90% government-subsidised programme, with an ARU-funded bursary for the remaining 10%, ensures SMEs are future-ready.
Programme structure
The stimulating 12-week course includes 12 modules, eight hours of peer group sessions, and 10 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring. Participants enhance their leadership skills, strategic planning, employee engagement, and finance and marketing capabilities.
In 2023, 90 participants attended at our Peterborough, Cambridge, and Chelmsford campuses, with yet more new cohorts completing the programme in 2024 and 2025.
Highlights and impact
At the end of each programme, the successful cohort come together to celebrate their success, and build networks to support their continued development. The event is attended by regional businesses, local authorities, NHS trusts, startups, scaleups, and charitable organisations.
"The Help to Grow Management course provides invaluable support on navigating the challenges that businesses face today, as well as offering a range of valuable networking and mentoring opportunities, helping these businesses – the cornerstone of our communities – to thrive."
Fiona McGonigle, ARU Help to Grow Programme LeaderARU is proud to contribute to the economic sustainability of our regions through the Help to Grow Management programme, empowering local businesses to overcome challenges and succeed.
"We were delighted to host this celebration event for businesses and partners across the region. It gave us the opportunity to recognise their success and find out how ARU can continue to support them in the future."
Prof Mohammad Ali, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business and LawSee also
Small Business Charter: Our Help to Grow: Management Mission