The 'Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme' by Small Business Britain is being relaunched in collaboration with ARU Peterborough University and the global small business platform Xero. The programme aims to energise the UK's smallest businesses.

Having previously trained 1,700 small enterprises, the 'Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme' seeks to guide the UK's smallest businesses towards discovering new growth opportunities in a difficult economic landscape. The programme caters to the 5.2 million microbusinesses in the UK that may not be well-served or eligible for current business support schemes, such as the Government-backed Help to Grow scheme.

Founder of Small Business Britain, Michele Ovens CBE, emphasised the need for targeted help for microbusinesses, “The smallest firms are particularly vulnerable in today’s economic climate, further exacerbated by the challenges posed by the UK recession, these businesses need targeted support to not just survive but thrive. They are the backbone of our economy and represent the future of our nation’s prosperity.”

“However, the path to growth isn’t always clear-cut or straightforward when you are working on your own or within a very small team. The goal of this programme is to provide really targeted, helpful guidance that recognises these challenges, and is delivered in a flexible, free format so it is accessible for all.”

Commencing in April, the six-week programme will be delivered fully online with guidance from ARU Peterborough academics and other seasoned experts. It is designed to fit around existing work commitments and offer inclusive and flexible learning, enabling opportunities for all across the UK, and offers mentoring and peer-to-peer support.

Lorna Reeves, owner of MyOhMy Events took part in last year’s Small and Mighty programme to support in planning her business evolution in 2024.

“The Small & Mighty Programme is like no other development series. Whether you are new to business or have been running for a while, the information is invaluable,” said Lorna Reeves.

“The sessions were a great reminder of the fundamentals, as well as how to advance my business. Every session I came away with actionable steps to take, in order to move my business forward. The super power of this programme is the community; the mentors, coaches and other attendees are a powerful force for good, I am honoured to be a part of that group.”

Entrepreneurs will receive weekly expert teaching on topics from business strategy and marketing to finance and resilience, along with two hours of free mentoring.

Alex von Schirmeister, Managing Director UK, Xero, said: “It's tough for businesses at the moment, especially the smallest ones. We know from our own research that unleashing the potential of the UK's smallest businesses could add so much to our economy. That's why programmes like Small & Mighty are critical and we can't wait to help more microbusinesses take the next step on their journey."

Each business on the Small and Mighty Enterprise programme will also have access to a supportive network of small businesses to share questions, challenges, and solutions, and receive guidance to create an action plan to support their next year of opportunity.

"I signed up for the Small and Mighty Programme wanting to refresh my skills and update my knowledge in things such as financial forecasting and business planning, but I got so much more that I bargained for!” said Karen Webber owner of Goodness Marketing.

“One of the highlights, in addition to learning from brilliant experts, has been the wonderfully supportive community of inspiring, diverse business owners that I was able to connect with. I am also so grateful for the invaluable time I got from a brilliant mentor who helped me look at my business with new eyes and gave me the courage to make important changes which have already yielded results. I couldn't recommend the Small and Mighty Programme enough!"

Dr Tom Williamson, Assistant Principal of ARU Peterborough, said: “We’re delighted to be continuing our successful collaboration with Small Business Britain and its fantastic Small and Mighty Enterprise programme.

“ARU Peterborough’s experts in business, management and finance helped 1700 small businesses to ‘think big’ last autumn, and we can’t wait to help a new group of microbusiness owners as part of this important programme.”

To celebrate the graduation of businesses from the programme, a hybrid online and real-world event will be held in London June 2024 to celebrate the achievements of the businesses and the goals of the programme.