future-proof your business

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 small businesses it is critical that this industry sector is supported in being successful.

The Business Planning Course is 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.

If you are a business owner based between the Moreton Bay and Fraser Coast regions, this structured business development course is your opportunity to gain skills and knowledge which can be implemented immediately to strengthen your business.

Is your business eligible to register?

If you are a business (employing fewer than 20 staff), are located between the Moreton Bay and Fraser Coast Local Government areas and have 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, you will receive a USC Certificate of Completion and gain credit* for one course in a USC postgraduate Business degree.

* To be eligible for credit for a USC Business School course, participants will have to successfully complete the development of the business plan and present the plan on the ‘pitch to panel’ day.

Course information

The content is delivered as workshops within this 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 present a 30-minute pitch to a panel of experts. Please Note: Minimum and maximum numbers and some eligibility criteria may apply at each location.

Week 1: Overview of Small Business Management Principles

Week 2: Organisation and Industry Analysis

Week 3: Marketing Strategy and Business Structures

Week 4: Risk Management and Human Resource Strategy

Week 5: Financial Management

Week 6: Operating Plan and Action Plan 

Week 7: Preparing for the Pitch

Week 8: Pitch to Panel Presentations. 30-minute presentations by each participant to a panel of local business experts.

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