Business Planning for ACS Programs

Turn a ministry idea into a practical, financially responsible service plan with clear outcomes and controls.

Course outcome

Prepare a one-page business plan, simple budget and 90-day action plan for an ACS program or social enterprise.

What you will learn

• Lesson 1: From Need to Service Model — Create a one-page service model for a current or proposed ACS program.
• Lesson 2: Budgeting and Break-Even Basics — Build a three-month budget and identify the minimum income needed to operate.
• Lesson 3: Operations and Accountability — Draw the service workflow and choose five measures for a manager dashboard.
• Lesson 4: Launch, Review and Improve — Write a 90-day plan with owners, dates, costs and review points.

Course details

• Track: Specialisation — Leadership and Operations
• Duration: 5 hours
• Format: 4 guided lessons (75 minutes each), each with a teaching guide, a case study with short-answer questions and a multiple-choice knowledge check

Course references and further learning

Use these authoritative sources to confirm requirements, deepen the lesson and locate current guidance.

• Develop your business plan — Australian Government business.gov.au
• Governance Hub for charities — Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
• Budgeting and financial management for charities — Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

Important

Check the latest version before use. Australian law, approved ACS procedures and local Conference requirements take priority where they are more specific. External resources are provided for learning and do not replace accredited training, professional advice or emergency services.