Breaking Barriers: Practical Strategies for SME Growth

Every big business was once a small one — but the journey from starting up to scaling up is often the hardest part.

Running a small business is tough — you’re wearing every hat, chasing every opportunity, and still trying to find the next stage of growth. From scaling operations and accessing finance to navigating market competition and talent retention, SMEs face unique challenges that can make or break their next stage of development.

This session will unpack these barriers and offer practical, evidence-based strategies to help small business owners and leaders move confidently from survival to sustainable growth.

Led by Dr Salman Ahmad — Director of the Help to Grow Management Programme for SMEs / Senior Lecturer — the seminar draws on extensive experience supporting SMEs across regions. Participants will gain clear insights into the most common growth roadblocks and leave with actionable tools to overcome them, unlocking their full growth potential.