Profit and Progress is a fully funded, three-part workshop series designed specifically for micro and small business owners who are looking to gain clarity, set achievable goals, and drive sustainable growth. The programme is delivered online, making it accessible and flexible for busy business owners.

To be eligible, businesses need to have been trading for a year and ambitious to grow.

The workshops are on Wednesday 11, 18 and 25 November 2026, from 10am to 12.30pm. Each workshop will be online for 2.5 hours.

Programme Structure

• Three Interactive Workshops: Each session focuses on a key area of business growth, delivered weekly to allow time for reflection and action between sessions.
• Personalised Action Plan: Every participant leaves with practical tools, and clear next steps for their business.
• Peer Learning & Support: The workshops create a collaborative environment, connecting local business owners and providing access to expert advisers.

Each workshop links to the next to build a proven framework for growth. It has been designed for busy SMEs to work ON their business not IN it.

Workshop Breakdown

Workshop 1: Laying Foundations for Growth

• Introduction to strategic tools such as the Business Model Canvas – BMC (the 9 essential building blocks) and SWOT analysis.
• Clarifying your business vision, values, and aligning personal goals with business objectives.
• Setting short-term, actionable business objectives with milestones, including break even scenarios.

Outcome: A clear understanding of your current business position and foundational goals, with a tailored BMC and SWOT analysis.

Workshop 2: Marketing Strategies

• Define your ideal client avatar and understand their needs, challenges, motivations and online behaviours.
• Build a stronger brand identity by refining your mission, values, value proposition and visual consistency.
• Develop a clear tone of voice and marketing message that connects with your target audience and differentiates your business.
• Complete a marketing audit to assess your current activity, identify gaps and focus on the channels that deliver results.
• Learn how to create a practical marketing strategy aligned to your business goals, growth ambitions and customer journey.
• Understand how to optimise your Google Business Profile to improve local visibility, credibility and customer enquiries.

Outcome: A clearer marketing strategy, defined customer avatar, stronger brand positioning, refined messaging and a practical action plan to improve your marketing performance.

Workshop 3: Financial Management

• Accounting basics: understanding income, expenditure, profit margins and balance sheet data.
• Use financial data to make informed decisions and financial planning.
• Calculating your breakeven price.
• Using the “Financial Tool” for cash flow, pricing, and budgeting.
• What does an effective business plan look like?

Outcome: A better understanding of your business’ financial performance and how to use this information for cash flows, budgets, and planning.

What’s Included

• Digital Workbooks & Tools: Practical resources to implement learning immediately.
• Hands-on Exercises: Group discussions and exercises to inspire action.
• Expert Guidance: Access to a network of advisers and local business owners who understand your challenges.
• Ongoing Support: The programme is linked to the Growth Hub, ensuring continued support after the workshops finish*.

*Subject to resource capacity

Unique Benefits

• Action-Oriented: Each session is practical, with a focus on immediate implementation and measurable progress.
• Community & Networking: Build relationships with other local business owners and access ongoing support through the Growth Hub.

Fill in the Profit & Progress Course form here which covers questions about your business and what outcomes you are seeking from the course.

Special programme developed and delivered by Growth Hub advisers.