Future-proof your business
This Business Planning Course is proudly supported by the Queensland Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training
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.
This 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 is based in Queensland, 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 be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion and a credit for one elective course in UniSC's Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
Sunshine Coast
Location: UniSC Sunshine Coast
Start Date: Thursday 27 April 2023
Time: 9-11am On Thursdays
Week 1: Thursday 27 April
Week 2: Thursday 4 May
Week 3: Thursday 11 May
Week 4: Thursday 18 May
Week 5: Thursday 25 May
Week 6: Thursday 1 June
Week 7: Thursday 8 June
At the end of the course, there is an optional 15-minute participant presentation. Dates to be confirmed.
Registrations close on Friday 21 April 2023
Townsville
Location: TBA
Start Date: Tuesday 20 June 2023
Time: 9-11am On Tuesdays
Week 1: Tuesday 20 June
Week 2: Tuesday 27 June
Week 3: Tuesday 4 July
Week 4: Tuesday 11 July
Week 5: Tuesday 18 July
Week 6: Tuesday 25 July
Week 7: Tuesday 1 August
At the end of the course there is an optional 15-minute participant presentation. Dates to be confirmed.
Registrations close on Friday 9 June 2023
Redlands
Location: TBA
Start Date: From Mid-August 2023
More information will be available soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact the Business Planning Course team.
Cairns
Location: Cairns Regional Council (Spence Street)
Start Date: Thursday 12 October 2023
Time: 9-11am On Thursdays
Week 1: Thursday 12 October
Week 2: Thursday 19 October
Week 3: Thursday 26 October
Week 4: Thursday 2 November
Week 5: Thursday 9 November
Week 6: Thursday 16 November
Week 7: Thursday 23 November
At the end of the course there is an optional 15-minute participant presentation. Dates to be confirmed.
Registrations close on Friday 6 October 2023
Week 1: Overview of Small Business Planning
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 1-7 are 90-minute workshops, followed by a 30-minute Q&A and networking sessions.
Please note, at the end of the course there is an optional (oral) presentation of draft business plan. Dates to be confirmed.
Meet the Coordinator
Dr Wayne Graham is a Senior Lecturer in Management and has co-authored three case studies for an Australian textbook on strategic management, as well as presenting his research at national and international conferences.
In addition to his work in the higher education sector, Wayne has worked in the vocational education sector, the automotive industry and local government.
In 2018 Wayne received the Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Feedback from previous participants
"I came away with a road map to build a business that will be sustainable and the steps we need to take to get where we want to be in five years."
“At first I didn’t know what to expect from a university course, because it seemed a bit daunting but, having done the course, I would definitely recommend it to other local businesses."
"The course and writing the plan has definitely helped our business develop some strong foundations."
"I now have a clearer direction, and my business is more structured, I feel I can roll out my marketing strategy sooner than I had intended."
"This has been the best investment of my time that I could have made in myself and my business."
"Thank you for the amazing quality of the course, I genuinely got so much out of it. Thank you also for the opportunity to present, in hindsight I can see how utterly valuable that was and am grateful for your foresight."
"An outcome of the presentation was a nomination to the AusMumpreneur Awards, and I was one of three people in Qld who was a finalist in the “Coach of the Year” Award category."
UniSC helps small business owners plan for success
Small business owners and managers can learn how to future-proof their businesses by taking part in a short course offered by UniSC that focuses on developing strategies for sustainability and success.
UniSC course to help future-proof small businesses
Small business owners and managers can learn how to future-proof their businesses by taking part in a short course offered by UniSC that focuses on developing strategies for sustainability and success.