For the first time, the new course will be open to SMEs with less than five members of staff, which in the past was not available, extending the reach.

The Help to Grow: Management Essentials course provides practical advice and resources and is an introductory version of the full 12-week Help to Grow: Management course designed to reach more small businesses.

The Essentials course is targeted at directors of newer or smaller SMEs, or those who are looking to explore the principles of business growth and management before taking the next step and enrolling in the full course.

The course is free and was designed by experts at Small Business Charter accredited business schools. The content is divided into three easy-to-access modules consisting of short videos and supporting resources covering the essential business concepts required to unlock growth.

The launch of the new shorter course was welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which said that it would make it easier for SMEs to complete due to time constraints.

Martin McTague, FSB national chair, said: ‘FSB has been making the case for a streamlined, digital taster session version of the Help to Grow Management course, and we’re delighted to see this now delivered.

‘Businesses with fewer than five employees were ineligible for the full Help to Grow course, so this is particularly good news.

‘This will better fit with the busy lives of small business owners who struggled with the initial commitment for 12-week intensive learning.

‘It means many more can now access the benefits of Help to Grow and see the benefits of committing to the longer course as follow-up.’

Small business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: ‘2024 is the year of the SME and whether it’s through access to finance, support and advice, or removing barriers to growth: we’re helping them go further than ever before.’

Sign up for the course at the government's Help to Grow website