Registrations Now Open for Free Business Planning Course

Micro and small businesses form the foundation of the Australian economy, employing approximately 44 percent of the Australian workforce and contributing around one-third of Australia's GDP. As approximately 97 percent of Australian organisations are categorised as micro and small businesses it is critical that this industry sector is supported in being successful.

The Business Planning Course is free and designed to provide local business owners with a clear understanding of the key factors that underpin their success and are critical to their long-term survival.

Participating in this course, comprised of a series of workshops, provides a platform for business owners to survive and thrive by adopting and implementing strategic management principles, thereby lowering the rate of business failure.

For businesses that are not located near a course delivery site, participants are welcome to join online, as per the below schedule. When registering, please choose the course with the most suitable dates.

Eligibility requirements

If your business employs fewer than 20 (full-time equivalent) staff and has been operating for at least 12 months, you are eligible to register for this series of workshops and we encourage you to take up this opportunity by registering now to participate.

Gain certification and credit

Participating in this course is a great way to experience what it is like to study at University and open up a pathway into a higher-level qualification. Upon completion of all modules and submission of assessment items, you will receive a UniSC Certificate of Completion and gain credit for one course in a UniSC postgraduate Business degree.

Course information

The content is delivered as workshops within this free, short course. The weekly schedule includes the development of a customised business plan that is suitably developed for sourcing funds from banks, investors or can be leveraged for grant applications. At the conclusion of the workshops there will be an opportunity for participants to deliver a 15-minute presentation to a panel of experts. Please note that minimum and maximum numbers may apply at each location.

Week 1: Overview of Strategy and Small Business Management Principles

Week 2: Organisation and Industry Analysis

Week 3: Marketing Strategy

Week 4: Business Structures, Operating Plan and Risk Management

Week 5: Succession Planning and Human Resource Strategy

Week 6: Financial Management

Week 7: Communications Skills and Preparing for the Presentation

Week 8: Presentations to panel

Week 1-7 are 90-minute workshops, followed by a 30-minute Q&A and networking session.

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