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The Growth Network Program

Strategic Advisory for Established SME Owners and Executives

Strategic Advisory for Established SME Owners and Executives

For many established SMEs, the challenge shifts from survival to strategic scaling. Yet the demands of daily operations—managing teams, overseeing cash flow, and servicing existing clients—often leave little room for high-level, forward-looking strategic planning and execution.

The Growth Network Program is designed to provide that external perspective. It offers structured strategic guidance, financial oversight, and genuine accountability, delivered by an advisor who has operated at the intersection of academic research, public policy, and commercial practice.

Your Strategic Growth Partner, Dr Bruce Johnstone

Bruce Johnstone brings a combination of academic rigour, financial discipline, and operational experience to his advisory work.

PhD in Entrepreneurship – research-based understanding of growth drivers and business dynamics.
MBA (Henley, UK) – strategic and operational business growth frameworks applied in practice.
Chartered Accountant – (CAANZ) financial analysis and discipline often absent from generalist coaching.
Leadership experience in Strategic Growth Advisory – Business Growth Program (BGP), Cranfield University; Regional Manager Growth Accelerator program, Grant Thornton LLP, London (UK Government-funded).
Commercial founder and seller – built an award-winning commercial radio business in New Zealand from the ground up and sold it to a multinational. Experience in Australia as a licensed commercial finance broker.
Academic appointments – sessional lecturer at RMIT and CQU, in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Management. Author of The Management Program courses and a number of academic publications.

This combination of institutional credibility and lived commercial experience is uncommon in the advisory space. It allows for an approach that is grounded in evidence, financially literate, and tested in real market conditions.

The Advisory Approach

The Growth Network Program is structured as a monthly advisory retainer. Rather than delivering generic content or a fixed curriculum, the engagement is tailored to the specific challenges, opportunities, and stage of each business.

The core components include:

Regular one-on-one strategy sessions (via Zoom or in-person in Melbourne)
Responsive email support between scheduled calls
Written progress summaries and prioritised action items
Access to proprietary frameworks developed through academic research and commercial application
Structured accountability to ensure strategic priorities translate into execution

Typical Areas of Focus

The specific priorities vary by business, but common areas of work include:

Strategy development and refinement – competitive positioning, market selection, business model innovation, and the strategic trade-offs that determine long-term performance.
Financial performance and discipline – cash flow management, profitability analysis, unit economics, valuation drivers, and overall financial health.
Leadership and organisational capability – building effective teams, delegating effectively, developing internal management capacity, and reducing founder dependency.
Scaling and growth execution – entering new markets, launching new revenue streams, considering acquisitions, and managing the operational complexities of growth.
Exit and transition planning – for businesses at that stage, preparing for sale, capital raising, or succession in a way that maximises value and minimises disruption.

Who the Program Is For

The Growth Network Program is suited to:

Owner-managers of established SMEs with turnover of $1M–$5M+ who are looking for strategic clarity and accountability

CEOs and executives of growth-stage businesses ($3M–$15M+) facing scaling challenges

Leaders of high-growth businesses ($10M+) preparing for capital raising, significant transformation, or exit

It is not designed for early-stage startups seeking seed funding, or for businesses not yet ready to commit to a structured advisory relationship.

The Growth Network Program Tiers

Level

Investment

Monthly Calls

Email Support

Monthly Reporting

Quarterly Workshop

ESSENTIAL

$2,500 AUD/month

2 x 60-minute calls

Unlimited (48-hour)

Action items KPI tracking

GROWTH

$4,500 AUD/month

4 x 60-minute calls + 4 x 30-minute check-ins

Unlimited (24-hour response)

Detailed progress tracking

Half-day deep-dive (virtual or in-person)

PREMIUM

$7,500+ AUD/month

Unlimited (typically 2–3 hours/week)

Priority (12-hour response)

Comprehensive strategic growth review

In-person strategy offsite (Melbourne)

GST applicable for Australian clients. In-person sessions in Melbourne are available for clients on the Growth and Premium tiers.

Travel expenses for interstate or international in-person engagements are billed separately.

The Growth Network Program is a strategic advisory engagement, not a regulated financial advice service. All advice is provided in a coaching and advisory capacity. We are not accountants in public practice. For specific financial, legal, or tax advice, please consult your licensed professional.

The Engagement Process

Step 1: Initial conversation

A complimentary discovery consultation to discuss the business context, current challenges, and strategic objectives. This is an exploratory conversation without obligation—an opportunity to determine whether the program is a suitable fit.

Step 2: Proposal

If there is mutual interest, a formal proposal is prepared. It will specify the recommended tier, the investment, the scope of work tailored to the business, and the engagement terms.

Step 3: Onboarding and commencement

Once the proposal is accepted, the engagement begins. Regular calls, structured reporting, and ongoing strategic support commence according to the agreed schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this differ from general business coaching?

The program combines academic research, financial discipline, direct commercial experience, and institutional leadership.

It is less about motivation and more about evidence-based strategy, rigorous financial oversight, and structured execution.

Can the program accommodate clients outside Australia?

Yes. The program is open to clients in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. All sessions are conducted virtually as a default, with in-person options available in Melbourne.

How do I determine which tier is appropriate?

The initial consultation is used to assess the scale of the business, the complexity of the challenges, and the level of engagement required. A recommendation is provided as part of the proposal process.

What outcomes can I expect?

Outcomes vary by business and level of commitment. There is a focus on revenue growth, improved margins and a reduction in the operational burden on the owner. More broadly, the program provides a structured external perspective that is often difficult to obtain internally.

Find Out More about The Growth Network Program

Book a discovery call with Dr Bruce Johnstone

Book a Discovery Call

TGN Institute is a brand of The Growth Network

Australian Business Number 94465268443

585 Little Collins St., Suite 405, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia

Telephone: +61 3 9996 8551 - Email: info@tgn.institute