Registration is now open for a new, fully-funded leadership programme designed to help SMEs build resilience, tackle the challenges faced during and after Covid-19, and drive future productivity and growth.

Supported by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, the Small Business Leadership Programme (SBLP) is a free, 10-week training programme for senior leaders in organisations with 5–249 employees.

A range of small business experts – including entrepreneurs, business leaders and academics – will deliver the online programme through university business schools. The first cohort starts in October 2020.

Covering a range of practical topics, including operational and finance management, innovation, strategic leadership and employee engagement, the SBLP will provide participants with an online learning community and skills that can be directly applied to their organisations.

It comprises eight, 90-minute webinars, alongside independent learning. The programme is specifically designed to support and fit in with day-to-day business.  As part of a small cohort of SME owners and senior managers from the region, those taking part will also build new networks and share experiences with their peers.

When businesses register, they can choose with which business school they enrol. In our region (the North West) the options are Lancaster University Management School, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, University of Salford, and Staffordshire Business School.

Participants can select their preferred choice or click ‘I don’t mind’ and have a provider allocated to them.

To find out more about the SBLP, eligibility and to register interest, visit the Small Business Charter website. The scheme is limited to 2,000 places nationwide.