USC offers golden learning opportunity to small businesses in Gympie

“The aim is for owners to develop a customised business plan that they can use to source funds from banks and investors, or leverage grant applications, and to apply what they have learnt in an attempt to future-proof their businesses.”

Small business owners and managers in the Gympie Region can learn how to future-proof their businesses by taking part in a free short course offered by USC and presented by Dr Wayne Graham. Photos: Lou O'Brien

Small business owners and managers across the Gympie region have been given an opportunity to learn how to future-proof their businesses by taking part in an upcoming free short course offered by USC and presented by Dr Wayne Graham.

The University of the Sunshine Coast has unveiled its business planning course in Gympie, the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Fraser Coast after a “pilot series” of workshops was successful in Moreton Bay over the past year.

Dr Wayne Graham of USC.

A USC Senior Lecturer in Management, Dr Graham will present six two-hour free weekly workshops from mid-August to eligible participants.

Dr Graham said the short course was particularly valuable for businesses being redefined or diversified in the economic climate of Covid-19.

“The aim is for owners to develop a customised business plan that they can use to source funds from banks and investors, or leverage grant applications, and to apply what they have learnt in an attempt to future-proof their businesses,” Dr Graham said.

“Participants will have the chance to pitch their new business plans to a panel of experts for feedback.

“Following the course, they will also have the opportunity to join a research project involving post-workshop visits to their businesses to monitor and measure progress, and have access to a mentor program.”

By completing the course participants receive credit for one course in the USC Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

Principal lawyer of Onyx Legal at North Lakes Jeanette Jifkins said she gained a better understanding of factors underpinning prosperity and long-term survival from completing the course.

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“Participating in the course made me realise what is really important to my business right now, and what I need to focus on in order to move forward,” Ms Jifkins said.

Employers from regions from Moreton Bay to Fraser Coast with fewer than 20 staff and who have been operating for at least two years are eligible to participate.

People can email their interest to [e-mail]. For further details visit www.usc.edu.au/bpc.