Get in touch with the team to learn more about partnering with us, study opportunities, our initiatives and much more. Or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram to keep up with the latest news and events.
Programs and training
We deliver flexible, evidence-based programs and tailored training that builds capability, strengthens relationships, and drives small-to-medium enterprise (SME) growth and productivity.
Commercial services and knowledge translation
Our training helps organisations design and implement strategies across our six strategic themes: wellbeing, internationalisation, digital transformation, innovation, leadership and sustainability. Our programs build knowledge and strengthen capability, delivering evidence-based solutions that drive performance and growth.
SEED-AI: Skills for Education, Employment and Digital AI
Future-proof your career with our free national AI training program. Gain practical skills to use AI responsibly, boost productivity and stay competitive – no prior experience required. Open to micro, small and medium enterprise employees, students and educators. Register today and secure your place in the 2026 intake
SME business advisers training
Delivered through Counting on U, integrated training in relationship-centred communication, interpersonal skills and mental health literacy, participants learn how to:
- develop stronger, trust-based client relationships
- navigate challenging conversations with empathy and confidence
- enhance self-awareness and self-care while supporting others.
SME internationalisation and innovation training
Supported by the Australia–India Maitri Research Grant and drawing on research and policy, we are currently designing training which explores how Indian innovation centres can help build SME innovation and internationalisation capabilities.
Insights from this project will shape future training modules, equipping SMEs with practical tools to adopt new business models, embrace digital transformation, and expand globally.
SME leadership training
Delivered through Counting on U, this training program develops leaders’ ability to create psychologically safe workplaces and support team wellbeing. Leaders learn to:
- build team trust and psychological safety
- support their team in managing stress whilst cultivating work-life harmony
- recognise and respond to distress appropriately
- strengthen supportive leadership practices while maintaining self-care.
Australia–India Innovation and Investment Initiative
The Australia–India Innovation and Investment Initiative gives Australian SMEs a high-value pathway into one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation markets. Through free workshops, expert resources and targeted mentoring, the program builds the strategic capability needed to navigate India’s innovation ecosystem, identify FDI opportunities and develop a practical, business-ready entry strategy.
Battery Workforce Skills and Training Project
This applied research project explores bespoke battery science and engineering solutions designed for safe operations in unique Australian conditions. Delivered as part of Powering Australia’s Battery Workforce Skills and Training Program, funded through the Australian Government’s Building Future Battery Capabilities Program, the project investigates how Australia can develop specialised battery manufacturing, deployment, maintenance and recycling capabilities tailored to local environments such as remote operations, high temperatures, mining applications and long transport distances.
The project focuses on identifying niche opportunities across the battery value chain including manufacturing, energy storage, transport, recycling, and workforce capability development, while strengthening the skills and competencies required to support a safe, resilient, and future-ready battery industry in Australia. Insights from the research will contribute to industry-facing reports, workforce training materials and practical capability-building workshops for the battery sector.
More training opportunities
We offer a range of tailored training programs aligned with our strategic themes, designed to build SME capability and drive lasting impact. If you are interested in accessing training or resources, please get in touch with our team.
Case study: Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe is an experienced chartered accountant based in Adelaide. By taking mental health training in the Counting on U program, he has learnt skills that can help navigate the financial or mental wellbeing of his clients and colleagues, supporting people to access the resources they need.
Case study: Rachael Mendlik
After participating in the Counting on U program, chartered accountant Rachael Mendlik, describes how it has improved her ability to ask the right questions to support her small to medium enterprise clients further, and the confidence and tools to have sensitive conversations.
Bespoke training
We create tailored training packages for your workplace or sector – designed for audiences from leaders to staff, with flexible modules on topics like entrepreneurship, AI for SMEs and mental health, delivered online, in-person or as blended workshops.
Resources for SMEs
We’ve curated a range of resources to help SMEs thrive, drawing on expertise from the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre and our partners. From webinars and mental health support to practical collaboration tools, these resources are designed to build resilience and growth.
Collaboration readiness tool
Developed with input from our Centre Director, Professor Rui Torres de Oliveira, this free tool helps SMEs prepare for successful partnerships with universities by pinpointing the key areas for effective engagement.
Business Development Clinic
This free consultancy program connects SMEs with driven university students – guided by experienced business experts – to deliver tailored strategies for growth. Through hands-on collaboration, you will gain practical, measurable improvements across seven key profit drivers, helping strengthen your business’s future and stay ahead.
Webinar recordings
Catch up on past Counting on U webinars exploring topics such as self-care and integrated approaches to workplace wellbeing. These recordings provide practical insights and strategies you can revisit anytime to support SME wellbeing and resilience.
SME mental health continuum
This visual shows the mental health continuum for small-to-medium business owners, highlighting the signs of positive, declining, and poor mental health. It’s designed to help identify early warning signs – from changes in mood, sleep, energy, or work performance through to more serious symptoms that require professional support.
Other available SME mental health resources
- Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO): Free, confidential mental health coaching for small business owners. Six sessions with coaches who understand business challenges.
- Free Coaching for NSW SMEs: NSW SME leaders can access free one-on-one business coaching to support workplace mental health, delivered by Transitioning Well.
- Ahead for Business: Tools and resources to support small business mental health, including online check-ups, stress tests, and tailored wellbeing plans.
- Small Business Debt Helpline: Free advice from financial counsellors on small business debts, finance, and negotiations. Call 1800 413 828 or chat online.
- Mentally Healthy Workplaces: Guidance, best practice, and case studies to help create and sustain mentally healthy workplaces.
- Business Victoria – Workplace Wellbeing: Wellbeing and mental health resources for Victorian sole traders, SMEs and employees.
Contact us
Send an enquiry to the Deakin Small-to-Medium Enterprise Research Centre
