SOMERSET Regional Council is continuing to deliver for small businesses with a free Business Planning Micro-course on offer.

This free course, delivered by the University of Sunshine Coast, will help Somerset small business owners gain a clear understanding of the factors underpinning their business's success and what is critical for long term survival.

Learn to adopt strategic management principles and develop a customised business plan to help your business survive and thrive.

Participants will receive tailored feedback from a panel of industry experts and networking opportunities.

Somerset Councillor Kylee Isidro said the course, will be delivered by Dr Wayne Graham, a Senior Lecturer in Management at UniSC.

“The course is targeted to micro and small business owners in Somerset with fewer than 20 full time equivalent employees who have been operating for at least 12 months,” Cr Isidro said.

“The course will kick off in Esk on Tuesday, 18 June at 2pm and continue for seven weeks.

“Included each week is a 90-minute workshop followed by 30 minutes of networking and for those who can’t attend the course in Esk, an online option is available.”

Participants will learn how to integrate strategic management into their business, develop a customised business plan suitable to secure grants and more.

Cr Isidro said the micro course was just another way Council was providing support to the Somerset small business community.

“As most people are aware, Council is a proud member of the Small Business Friendly Councils and as a signatory to this charter, we made a pledge to support small businesses,” Cr Isidro said.

“I encourage businesses within Somerset to register for this free course.”

To find out more phone Council on 5424 4000, and to register, visit www.usc.edu.au/bpc

The course announcement comes on the back of Small Business Friendly Month (celebrated annually in May).

Cr Isidro, together with Councillor Sally Jess and Council’s Business Recover Officer Jacqui O’Connor attended the Queensland Small Business Friendly Program’s annual conference and inaugural awards ceremony in Cairns at the end of May.

The Small Business Friendly Program is a community of 49 like-minded organisations championed by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner to work together to ensure their small business community is flourishing.

The Business Planning Micro-course is proudly supported by the Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and is available to book at www.usc.edu.au/bpc