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Supporting Small Businesses

Birkbeck has more than two centuries of experience supporting working professionals, including those that operate within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We engage with these businesses through our teaching, research, and engagement activities, and strive to support local and national small businesses. SMEs can benefit from Birkbeck's expertise in the heart of London, and can engage with like-minded individuals through our programmes and events.

Birkbeck Business School holds the Small Business Charter accreditation, highlighting our dedication and excellence in supporting small businesses. Through this accreditation, we deliver the Help to Grow: Management Course which enables small business leaders to accelerate their growth. 

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Direct support for organisations

Birkbeck offers a central London hub for small businesses to engage, learn and study. Through executive education courses and regular events and networking opportunities, small businesses can leverage Birkbeck's expertise and apply the insights in practice. 

Join Birkbeck's Small Business Club

Connect with other SME leaders, hear the latest on our academic research, attend events and networking opportunities and gain expert advice for your business.

Executive Education Courses

We provide a range of short courses in a variety of subjects. Explore our offerings to unlock greater potential for your business and connect with like-minded individuals as you learn.

Other Events

Many of our events are open to the public for attendance, and can provide key insights on topics and challenges that businesses are facing today.

Help to Grow: Management Course

The Help to Grow: Management Course is a 12-week programme designed for senior leaders in small to medium-sized enterprises and will equip you with additional skills and insights to accelerate business growth and transform your organisation. Through a blend of in-person and online sessions, and mentorship from our SME experts, the Help to Grow: Management Course is a great investment towards your organisation's success. 

Help to Grow: Management Course Information

Explore additional information on the Help to Grow: Management Course and apply for our next cohort. This 12-week programme will provide attendees with new insights and practical capabilities across key business topics, as well as gaining expert mentorship.

Lord Karan Bilimoria delivers inspiring speech to Business School graduates

A cohort of 21 students graduating from the Small Business Charter accredited course, as well as alumni, listened to an uplifting and inspiring speech by Lord Karan Bilimoria at their graduation event.

Scaling up with confidence: DotDot Bubble Tea's growth story

Help to Grow: Management Course alumna Yandis Yang continues to achieve growth and success for her business, securing investment on BBC Dragon's Den and partnering with iconic brands. The course provided her with an increased confidence in business skills.

Driving competitive advantage through knowledge

This case study outlines the long-term impact that the Help to Grow: Management Course had on a niche lifts and escalators consultancy, contributing to their mission for expanding knowledge.

Broadening horizons with the Help to Grow: Management Course

Read a case study from one of our alumni from the Help to Grow: Management Course, showcasing the positive impact that the programme had on their business decision-making.

Additional support and initiatives

We continue to support SMEs through our course offerings, research and mentorship opportunities. 

Centre for Professional Development

The Centre for Professional Development brings together academics, researchers and practitioners to share their knowledge and experience with our local and wider community.

Mentoring Pathways

Birkbeck's Mentoring Pathways gives final-year students the opportunity to engage in a mentoring relationship with alumni and corporate volunteers.

Start your entrepreneur journey with Pioneer 1.0

This programme is the perfect starting point into entrepreneurship, providing students with the insights, knowledge and a practice ground to succeed with your future business.

Central Saint Martins Birkbeck MBA

We've partnered with Central Saint Martins to deliver a different kind of MBA, which places creativity and social impact at the heart of future leadership.