Business leaders looking to grow their companies are being encouraged to sign up for a heavily subsidised course.

The Help to Grow management programme is launching its latest course at the Gloucester Growth Hub, based at the University of Gloucestershire's Oxstalls Campus, next month.

Help to Grow, a 50-hour programme run over a 12-week period, is 90% funded by the Government so £7,500 course costs delegates only £750.

 Alex Cottrell, head of external relationships at University of Gloucestershire, said: "We've got another cohort that we're launching in October and we just really want to make sure that all the businesses in Gloucestershire are fully aware of what it's all about and why it might be right for them so they don't miss a fantastic opportunity to jump on board and take advantage.

"It's very manageable and is delivered in a combination of face-to-face and online."

One business leader who has benefited greatly from a recent course is Michelle Dowes, who runs her own IT consultancy.

Michelle, who set up her micro business in 2007, decided to join the course because they recently signed up to become a Microsoft partner.

She said: "We were concerned about retaining the integrity and identity of our consultancy and not just being another Microsoft seller.

"There's a lot of start-up books and theory about how you run a business but the actual input of practicality is important to me.

"It's really interesting - you've got people from diverse businesses from selling golf equipment right through to perfumery but we've all got something in common - we're from a small business looking to grow.

"Sharing problems and experiences gives you confidence - I felt if they can do it and they are overcoming the same hurdle, I can too. It takes the theory and the model and puts it into the practical and what it might look like for someone's business.

"It's good to have someone to check with and talk to a peer. It's almost like having a virtual board of directors and asking how would you make this decision? It's also like having kindred spirits. I found a like-minded person in the cohort.

"It is a commitment. However, if you want to grow your business it's a commitment you've got to make. It's almost like a continuous professional development for the organisation. I've always said I invest in myself and I invest in my company and I think this is a worthwhile investment in the company."

Michelle's advice to anyone thinking of signing up to the course is "Don't hesitate, make the time, make the decision to get involved and really be present and participate".

For more information on the Help to Grow course, phone the team on 01242 715400 or email HTGM@glos.ac.uk.