In an insightful twist of fate, former Deakin student Antonie – who was forced to withdraw from the Business Development Clinic (BDC) in his final trimester – guides us through this innovative program where students become the teachers.

At its heart, Deakin Business Development Clinic (a USASBE Award Finalist 2025) flips traditional business education on its head. Students don’t just learn about business growth – they teach it.

Using the practical ‘7 Levers Framework’, they guide small business owners through diagnosis, strategy-led decision making, and implementation to drive real profitability.

It’s learning by doing, teaching by understanding, and succeeding by helping SME’s grow.

Teaming of an industry expert with an academic expert is a fundamental strength that makes the BDC relevant, current and academically sound.

This Inside look features:

• Students sharing how teaching business owners transformed their own understanding.
• Business owners revealing the impact of student-led strategic guidance.
• Faculty insights into this revolutionary ‘teach-to-learn’ approach to business pedagogy.
• Real results: from award winning eComm growth to software companies reaching eight-figure exits.

Since 2019, this groundbreaking program has empowered over 500 students to become business leaders and consultants, helping small businesses make strategy-informed decisions that directly boost their bottom line.