Small Business Britain has reopened applications for its Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, a free six-week initiative designed to help microbusinesses and sole traders scale up. The April 2025 intake will offer over 500 places, providing expert-led guidance, mentorship, and peer support.
Research by Small Business Britain found that more than two-thirds of UK microbusinesses expect to grow by 50% over the next five years, despite economic challenges. The programme, delivered online in partnership with Xero and ARU Peterborough, aims to equip participants with business strategy, marketing, finance, and resilience training.
Since launching in 2022, the programme has trained over 3,500 small businesses. Participants receive two hours of free mentoring and access to a network of entrepreneurs. Experts from ARU Peterborough and Xero will lead sessions, offering flexible learning to fit around work commitments.
Industry leaders emphasise the need for tailored support, with Xero’s UK Managing Director, Alex von Schirmeister, calling for greater differentiation between small and microbusinesses. ARU Peterborough’s Professor Tom Williamson highlighted the programme’s success in helping businesses think strategically and grow with confidence.
