The UK business landscape is largely made up of micro businesses, with official ONS figures showing micro firms of 0-9 employees make up nearly 90% of all UK businesses (89.6%).
The UK’s 1.15 million microbusinesses employ more than 4 million people and generate over £700 billion in turnover, according to the latest Government Business Population Estimates (October 2025).
To help support the most ambitious and growth focused of the UK’s micro businesses and sole traders to scale up, Small Business Britain’s popular Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme will return in September to help small firms supercharge everything from marketing and AI use to export plans.
The free six-week course – delivered in partnership with global small business platform Xero and university business academics at ARU Peterborough – the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme will have over 500 places available. It will be delivered entirely online, allowing access from anywhere in the UK.
Programme attendees will benefit from weekly workshops, 121 training and access to a broad community of fellow business owners and expert mentors, including experts on sustainable practices, the legal ins and outs of business ownership, and financial planning.
Since launching in 2022 the Small and Mighty programme has trained over 4,500 small businesses through a combination of expert-led guidance and mentorship, helping to equip microbusinesses and sole traders with the tools and knowledge to take their first steps towards growth.
“As official figures show, microbusinesses are a critical part of the UK economic engine but can be overlooked when it comes to practical support, requiring different assistance to larger companies and bespoke advice.” said Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO of Small Business Britain.
“With the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, we are aiming to empower the growing number of entrepreneurs with access to expert knowledge, mentorship, and a vibrant community, so they can better navigate challenges and seize the opportunities ahead.”
Kate Hayward, UK Managing Director at Xero said, “Building a business is a dream for many. They have a brilliant idea, ambition, and the drive to make it work.
“But for too many of the UK’s smallest businesses, a lack of financial confidence and practical know-how holds them back.
“Talented, motivated founders often feel like they’re missing the building blocks they need to grow, and that’s the gap the Small & Mighty Programme is designed to close, through education and mentorship that build the skills and confidence these entrepreneurs need to take their next step forward.”
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