What we do

Tackling The Small Business Dilemma (What We Do)

For better or worse, all small businesses struggle with the same things.

In a recent study Small Business Owners rated maintaining cashflow (6.6/10) and profitability (6.9/10) as the two of the main stressors – with attracting and/or retaining customers (6.6/10) a leading diver of stress as well.

and when it comes to cash flow and profits …

It doesn’t matter what business they are in, what products they sell, or what services they provide. It makes no difference how big or small the business is, or how long they’ve been in business. And it doesn’t matter if they operate in the physical or digital world…

Every small business operates on the same premise:

These are the seven drivers of profit for any business; and, in turn, what really drives the Australian (and global) economy;

With Small Business…

• Providing 42% of private-sector employment.
• Adding one-third of gross value.  
• Accounting for 97.5% of all businesses (roughly 2.5 million).
• Generating $500 billion of economic activity.
• Constituting one-third of Australia’s GDP.  

Now here’s the kicker:

The Big Small Business Survey (2023) found that the NUMBER 1 challenge small business owners faced was:

“Understanding the best way to grow their business”

Enter: The Deakin Business Development Clinic

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often grapple with critical challenges that stifle their growth, primarily due to limitations in strategic planning and resource allocation. At Deakin Business Development Clinic, we understand that effective business growth is not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter.

The 7 Levers Framework

Our unique approach involves the 7 Levers Framework, a powerful tool designed to boost your business’s profitability systematically. Each lever is a critical aspect of your business that, when adjusted, can significantly enhance your bottom line.

Here’s how we break it down:

The Power of 10% Wins

By increasing the performance of each lever by just 10%, a seemingly small and achievable goal, the compounded effect can astonishingly double your business’s profits. This exponential growth is due to the interdependent and aggregated marginal gains nature of the levers, where small enhancements in each area amplify others, leading to a significant overall increase in profitability.

The Business Development Clinic Process

Through the clinic, our teams of talented students, guided by seasoned business leaders and academics, provide:

• A comprehensive “Health Check” assessing these seven key profit drivers within your business.
• Customised profit growth strategies focused on achieving a “10% Win” across these drivers.
• A detailed and actionable project brief tailored to your unique business needs. This includes an in-depth implementation plan outlining strategic recommendations, budgeting, timelines, and expected outcomes.

Our program offers more than just immediate solutions; it equips you with a sustainable methodology to continuously improve and grow your business.

Program Structure and Schedule

Three Intakes Per Year: Aligning with the University’s trimester schedule, we offer three opportunities annually to join our program. This flexibility ensures you can start improving your business at a time that best fits your schedule.