Essentials for SME Managers Programme
Practical skills for managing SME teams with confidence
Overall, I found the course very useful and would recommend to others.
Learn how to lead with confidence and clarity
Managing a team in an SME comes with unique challenges. The Essentials for SME Managers Programme is designed to help SME owners and managers build confidence, improve communication, and create structure in their leadership. Whether you’re new to leading a team or looking to sharpen your skills, this programme provides the tools you need to succeed.
This course combines practical tools with key leadership concepts, giving you the foundation you need to build strong teams and tackle everyday challenges.
Why this course works for SME leaders
This programme is built with SMEs in mind, focusing on the unique challenges of small and medium-sized businesses. Here’s what makes it different:
Actionable tools
Get simple, effective strategies that you can start using immediately.
Real-world focus
Learn through discussions, scenarios, and practical examples relevant to SME teams.
Expert facilitation
Benefit from years of experience in training leaders just like you.
What you’ll gain from this programme
You’ll walk away with:
Confidence in managing people
Understand your role as a leader and how to approach it effectively.
Stronger communication skills
Learn how to have clearer, more productive conversations.
A better approach to performance management
Set expectations, give feedback, and address issues with confidence.
Tools to engage and motivate your team
Create a positive environment where people want to succeed.
Consistency in how you lead
Bring structure and clarity to your management style.
Now accepting enrolments for July 2025
Who is this course for?
This course is for SME owners and managers who:
Are new to managing teams or looking to improve their leadership skills
Want practical tools to address common challenges like communication and motivation
Need help creating structure and consistency in their leadership approach
Programme structure
This flexible programme fits into your busy schedule, giving you plenty of opportunities to apply what you’ve learned.
Time commitment
10-15 hours over 12 weeks
Activities
Four live online workshops (2 hours each)
Two one-on-one development sessions (1 hour each)
Group discussions
Workplace assignments
Tailored 1:1 coaching
What’s covered in the programme
This course introduces key concepts while focusing on practical skills you can apply immediately.
Leadership basics
- What leadership really means—and how it’s different from management.
- Explore your personal leadership style and how it affects your team.
Working with people
Understand different personalities and what they need to thrive.
Learn how to communicate effectively and manage conflict constructively.
Performance and accountability
Understand different personalities and what they need to thrive.
Learn how to communicate effectively and manage conflict constructively.
HR Essentials
Cover the basics of managing performance, handling issues, and supporting development.
Meet your facilitator
Vanessa Jenner
HR Consultant
Vanessa has worked with SMEs across industries to help managers build better teams and improve performance.
With a no-nonsense, practical approach, she focuses on giving leaders tools they can use right away to overcome challenges and support their teams effectively.
Investment
$2500 +gst per participant
Spaces are limited to keep sessions interactive and personal.
This programme is registered with the Management Capability Development Fund.
Small businesses may qualify for funding to help pay for services such as training workshops, courses, and coaching that build the management capabilities of their owners and key managers.
Management Capability Development funding is only available through the Regional Business Partner Network (RBP) Growth Advisors and can be used with service providers registered with the RBP Network. Funding may be provided to a business where the Growth Advisors have identified a need for management training as part of an action plan to support the business owner to grow and innovate their business. Business owners are then able to select a service from a registered service provider.
For more information on the Management Capability Development Fund or to find your local Growth Advisor, visit www.business.govt.nz/regional-business-partner-network.
Ready to build your leadership foundation?
Register now to secure your spot in the Essentials for SME Managers Programme. Spaces are limited to ensure a personalised learning experience.
Have questions? Get in touch, and we’ll be happy to help.
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