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Swansea University School of Management will welcome its second cohort of business leaders from South Wales to the 90% government-funded Help to Grow management programme in January 2026.
Following a hugely successful first programme earlier this year, registrations are now open for leaders and senior managers from small and medium-sized Welsh businesses eager to boost their performance and resilience.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the Welsh economy, and their continued growth is key to closing the productivity gap across the region.
The Help to Grow management programme was created to support SME leaders in building stronger, more sustainable businesses.
Developed by a team of small business experts at Small Business Charter accredited business schools - which Swansea University is proud to be one of - the course has already helped thousands of SMEs across the UK.
Expert learning designed around you
The 12-week programme offers 50 hours of practical leadership development, specifically designed to fit around busy schedules.
Participants will:
Develop leadership skills across all key areas of business, including strategic planning, employee engagement, finance, marketing, digital transformation, and operations. Build a local peer network to share ideas and best practice. Work with a dedicated business mentor to create a tailored Growth Action Plan. The course is 90% funded by the UK Government, meaning delegates pay just £750 - a small investment that can make a significant difference to the future success of their organisation. Personalised support from experienced mentors. Every participant receives one-to-one guidance from an experienced mentor.Each mentor has at least five years of recent experience leading an SME at a senior level, or equivalent expertise supporting business leaders in areas such as growth, productivity, and innovation.
By the end of the programme, participants will have developed a personalised Growth Action Plan, helping them to lead their organisation with confidence and unlock its full potential.
Proven impact for Welsh businesses
Suzanne Parry Jones, programme manager at Swansea University School of Management, said: "We're excited to be taking the next step in our journey to help business leaders and entrepreneurs further develop their leadership, people and growth ambitions.
"We've already seen the positive impact the Help to Grow management course has had on Welsh SMEs, and we're looking forward to seeing firms in South Wales embrace everything the next cohort has to offer."
One of those success stories is Stuart Davies, managing director of BDP Wales, a design and print business based in Swansea.
He said: "The course gave me the tools and confidence to take a more strategic approach to growth.
"It's helped me step back and work on the business, not just in it - something I've been trying to achieve for some time."
Who can apply
To be eligible, your business must:
Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) based in the UK
Employ between 5 and 249 people
Have been operational for at least one year
Find out more
For further information about how to enhance your business's performance, resilience and long-term growth, email ionleadership@swansea.ac.uk or visit the Help to Grow - Swansea University website.
The 12-week programme offers 50 hours of practical leadership development
(Image: Swansea University School of Management)