Business Plans That Actually Get You Where You Need to Go
Most people think writing a business plan is about impressing investors. But here's what we've learned after working with hundreds of Australian businesses—it's really about understanding your own business well enough to make decisions that matter.
See the Program Structure
Three Components That Build Real Business Clarity
We break down the planning process into digestible parts. You'll work through each one over six months, starting in September 2025.
Market Analysis
You can't plan without knowing who you're serving. This module teaches you how to research your market using tools you already have—no expensive subscriptions or consultants needed. Just practical methods that work for Australian small businesses.
Financial Modeling
Numbers tell stories. We show you how to build financial projections that reflect what might actually happen in your business. You'll learn to spot the difference between wishful thinking and realistic forecasting.
Strategy Development
This is where everything connects. You'll take your market insights and financial projections and create a strategy that's specific to your situation. Not a template—something that reflects your actual business context.
How the Learning Path Works
Foundation Phase (Weeks 1-8)
We start with the basics because they matter more than people think. You'll look at business models, understand different planning approaches, and figure out what type of plan makes sense for your specific goals.
- Business model assessment workshops
- Planning framework selection
- Initial market positioning work
Research Phase (Weeks 9-16)
This is where you dig into your market. You'll conduct interviews, analyze competitors, and gather data about your potential customers. It's detective work—and it's probably the most valuable part of the whole program.
- Customer research methodologies
- Competitive analysis frameworks
- Market sizing techniques
Development Phase (Weeks 17-24)
Now you build. Using everything you've learned, you'll create your actual business plan. You'll get feedback from peers and experienced business operators who've been through this before.
- Financial projection building
- Strategy articulation workshops
- Plan review and refinement sessions
Who You'll Learn From
Our instructors have built and sold businesses. They've also made plenty of mistakes along the way—which makes them better teachers.
Freja Lundqvist
Strategic Planning InstructorFreja spent fifteen years running a consulting firm in Melbourne before deciding to teach. She's known for explaining complex strategy concepts in ways that actually make sense. Her approach is practical—no business jargon, just clear thinking about how businesses grow.
Callum Devereaux
Financial Modeling InstructorCallum worked in corporate finance before starting three different businesses. Two succeeded, one didn't. He teaches financial modeling from the perspective of someone who's had to live with his own projections—which makes him honest about what works and what doesn't.
Applications Open for September 2025
We're accepting applications for our autumn intake. The program runs from September through February 2026, with sessions scheduled around the working week so you can maintain your current commitments.
Program begins September 8, 2025
What Makes This Different
You're not going to sit through lectures about theory. Every session is built around real business scenarios. You'll work on your actual business plan—not a hypothetical one.
The cohort size is deliberately small (twenty participants maximum) because we've found that larger groups make it harder to give meaningful feedback. You'll get to know the other people in your cohort—and they'll become valuable connections as you all move forward.
And here's something worth mentioning: we don't promise that completing this program will transform your business overnight. What we can say is that participants leave with a clearer understanding of their business and a plan they can actually use.
Real Businesses, Real Outcomes
Here's what happened with some recent participants. Results varied—as they always do.
"I thought I knew my market. Turns out I'd been making assumptions for three years that weren't quite right. The research phase was uncomfortable but necessary. My business didn't explode or anything dramatic—but I stopped wasting money on marketing that didn't work."
— Tamsin Kildare, Brisbane
"The financial modeling module saved me from what would have been an expensive mistake. I was about to expand into a new location. When I actually built out the numbers properly, I realized the timing wasn't right. Waited another year, and that made all the difference."
— Jasper Whitlock, Adelaide
