A leading academic in entrepreneurship at Charles Sturt University (CSU) believes small businesses should do considerable groundwork before they expand.CSU Professor of Entrepreneurship Professor Morgan Miles says that to grow, small business owners need a variety of new skills and information."They will need to identify opportunities and innovations, network and negotiate, target markets, develop effective selling strategies and communications, improve processes, gather financial intelligence, and prepare to manage larger teams," said Professor Miles, who is with the CSU Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences.Professor Miles will address these topics and more in the 'Next Stage Growth Program' to be presented by CSU's CenWest Innovate project based in Bathurst."Participants will be invited to think about the fundamentals of being an entrepreneur, as well as marketing and managing the growth process," he said."We will need to go back to basics to assess our core business strategies, mission and expected growth."In addition, we will conduct market research, develop marketing strategies and learn how to use digital and social media to build and manage customer relations."The six month program will cost $2 000 per business, with up to two participants per business. Scholarships are available.To apply to participate in or for details regarding the program, phone 02 6338 4503 or send an email. The first course is due to commence on Thursday 20 July at CSU in Bathurst.