There are over 80 different government supports available to small businesses but many of them are not well known or understood. Each week in the SFA e-zine, we will profile a different support that could improve your business, giving you information and advice.

ManagementWorks

What?            

Subsidised management development training and mentoring for owners, managers and management teams of small and medium sized enterprises. 

The programmes available around the country include:

• Finance4Growth – free video/online programme
• Business Growth
• Business Leadership
• Strategic Business Planning
• Managing People & Teams
• Lean Business
• Management Team Alignment
• Postgraduate IMI Diploma in Management
• Postgraduate IMI Diploma in Strategy and Innovation
• Postgraduate IMI Diploma in Leadership
• BSc (Hons) in Management Practice

The programmes range from free to €5,000.

Why?             

Research shows that there is a strong relationship between management practice and business performance. Improved management practices are associated with large increases in productivity, sales growth and return on capital employed.

The Management Development Council report 2010 identified the need to enhance the level of management capability of small and medium-sized firms. As a result, ManagementWorks was established in 2012 under the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs with a remit to support SMEs in sustaining and creating jobs.

The ManagementWorks approach:

• Focused on business success
• Affordable and accessible
• Action oriented
• Delivered by the best

How?             

The scheme is run by Skillnets and is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills. Free workshops nationwide give a taster to interested companies.

For more information and to sign up for the programmes, go to www.managementworks.ie or contact programme development manager Brian Colleran at b.colleran@skillnets.com 

Tips               

If you are interested in applying, don’t forget:

• The subsidised rates are available to small and medium sized companies only, i.e. those employing less than 250 employees.
• Management development should form a key element of a company’s strategy for business development and growth.
• The IMI Diploma courses can be the first step towards achieving a Masters of Business. This qualification is achieved by completing three IMI Diplomas and an additional assignment or two IMI Diplomas and a business research project.