Business Planning | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Business Planning

This free microcredit course will help you gain a clear understanding of the factors underpinning your business's success and what is critical for your long term survival. Adopt strategic management principles and develop a customised business plan to help your business survive and thrive. You will receive tailored feedback from a panel of industry experts and networking opportunities.

Proudly supported by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

Who is this course for? 

  • Micro and small business owners
  • Based in Queensland
  • With fewer than 20 (full-time equivalent) employees
  • Operating for 12 months or more

How is the course delivered? 

  • 7 x 90 minute weekly workshops followed by 30 minutes of networking
  • Onsite delivery locations rotate around Queensland throughout the year
  • All sessions are fully supported for online delivery so if you are not located near the onsite location, please feel welcome to join online

What will you learn?  

  • How to integrate the principles of strategic management into your business
  • Develop a customised business plan that is suitable for sourcing funds from banks, investors or used for grant applications
  • Receive expert panel feedback specific to your business
  • Network with like-minded business owners and industry experts

Course overview

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

Get certification and credit

On successful completion, receive a Certificate of Completion and one elective course credit towards the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration at UniSC.

Dr Wayne Graham

Meet the Course Coordinator

Dr Wayne Graham is a Senior Lecturer in Management at UniSC. Wayne has developed a suite of microcredential planning courses in partnership with the Queensland Government. The courses are co-designed, co-delivered and co-evaluated with industry representatives. Funding for the courses has been provided by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, and Jobs Queensland. The courses are offered simultaneously online and onsite at various locations throughout the state.

Wayne has presented his research findings at national and international conferences and he has published his research in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Health Organization and Management, and the Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing. As well as working in higher education, Wayne has worked in the vocational education sector, the automotive industry and local government.


For more information, email us on bpc@usc.edu.au or phone +61 7 5430 2925