The new, fully funded leadership course for small businesses is now underway in Yorkshire providing leadership support as businesses continue to tackle the impacts of Covid-19.  

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 SMEs.

The programme is fully funded by the Government, who have partnered with the Small Business Charter and is being delivered by business schools across the country. The programme covers a range of practical topics and is delivered online by small business experts - including entrepreneurs, business leaders and academics - from Sheffield Hallam University Business School.
To aid business resilience and future growth in the current climate, the Small Business Leadership Programme will create peer groups to develop stronger leadership, innovation, operational efficiency, marketing and finance, from some of the top business schools around the country.

All business schools delivering the programme have been accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC), a national accreditation awarded by small businesses to business schools who excel in supporting SMEs and the local economy.

The practical syllabus provides business leaders with access to small business and management experts at some of the UK's leading business schools. The Small Business Leadership Programme is free and fully funded by the Government to enhance small business resilience and recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and develop potential for future growth and productivity. 

With eight, 90-minute webinars, alongside independent and peer-to-peer learning, the programme is designed to support and fit in with day-to-day business delivery. Participants must be in senior management roles, with at least one direct report, in businesses which have been operating for at least one year, and with 5-249 employees.

Programme leader Alexandra Anderson said: With regional restrictions and constant uncertainty right now, it can be a scary and lonely time to be a business owner. What is important is that we support each other, and here at Sheffield Hallam Business School we are able to provide the support and advice which is so needed. We want to look not just at businesses survival but also at their ability to thrive and grow for a long time beyond this crisis. 

This scheme is part of a £20 million package the government is providing to help small businesses in the long term. The Small Business Leadership Programme is being delivered across the country by a consortium of business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC).