
Developing Business Acumen
In Abilitie’s Developing Business Acumen Program, participants practice using the essential tools of financial analysis and business valuation in a cohort-based blended curriculum that builds their analytical skills.
Abilitie’s Developing Business Acumen Program
Participants in Abilitie’s Developing Business Acumen Program gain deep insight into the drivers of value and connecting those drivers to day-to-day decisions. They build an understanding of key financial terms and reports while practicing how to draw connections between tactical decisions and big-picture impact. Through the hands-on experience, learners build analytical and data-driven decision-making skills. We work with you to adapt this program to your organization, focusing on core competencies such as:
- Analytical Thinking & Business Acumen
- Communicating Strategy Using Financial Language
- Data-driven Decision Making
- Understanding Financial Indicators
Abilitie’s Business Challenge simulation serves as the foundation of this cohort-based program that also includes our Fluent in Finance financial acumen course and engaging guided case studies.
You’re in good company





Program Components
Our Developing Business Acumen Program creates the perfect learning environment for high-impact individuals to improve their analytical skills, learn to interpret financial data, and practice driving value-creation within their organization.
Business Challenge Simulation
(Synchronous, virtual or in-person)
At the heart of our Developing Business Acumen Program is our Business Challenge simulation, which provides a hands-on, competitive space for learners to practice analyzing financial statements and making data-driven decisions. Participants work in teams to manage virtual businesses in a competitive, dynamic marketplace.
Core competencies include:
- Analytical Thinking
- Understanding Drivers of Value
- Using the Language of Business
- Connecting Strategy to Financial Data
Fluent in Finance
(Asynchronous, online)
Abilitie’s award-winning Fluent in Finance is an 8 to 16-hour introductory-level online course in business finance that combines the convenience and best practices of online delivery with rich interactive media and business simulations.
Participants gain the foundational finance knowledge they need to drive value at your organization.
Case Studies
(Synchronous, virtual or in-person)
With support from an expert facilitator, participants discuss a Harvard Business School case study on the topic of business acumen and financial strategy. Through Socratic-questioning and engaging team-based discussion, participants draw insights that can be leveraged on their own teams.
Audience
The Developing Business Acumen Program is the perfect learning environment for high-potential individual contributors and non-financial managers who need a challenging, real-world practice environment to deepen their understanding of value creation and analysis.
It was great to understand how a business works from a high level perspective and see how all the parts fit together to run a successful company. Sometimes we concentrate so much on our specific areas, that we don’t always consider the larger picture.
Early Career Talent Participant, Holcim Group
Sample Program Schedule
Abilitie’s Developing Business Acumen Program is tailored to the needs of each client. It can be delivered as a virtual, hybrid, or in-person program and run as a 4 to 6 week program that can be condensed or spread out over additional weeks as desired.
Abilitie’s Program Dashboard
The Abilitie Program Dashboard provides Learning & Development leaders with real-time access to learner data. Program managers can easily see a snapshot of participant engagement, learner activity, and individual progress, giving them the tools to make smart decisions and take immediate actions that support learners through their journey.

I was able to bring formulas and models directly from the program to shine a light on problems my client was having (and talk them out of a less-than-advisable investment).
Participant, Adlucent
Program Details
The Developing Business Acumen Program guides participants to understand financial statements and make data-driven decisions while giving them new tools to connect their day-to-day work with the big picture of the business. The program design leverages Abilitie’s award-winning simulations and rich Socratic debriefs.
The program had a strong impact. Instead of remembering financial terms, I had the chance to make mistakes and learn from them.
Participant, Kohler Power Group
Cornerstone Simulation
Business Challenge
Description
A unique practice-based business acumen program for high-potential leaders
Audience
Hi-Potential Leaders, New Managers, Transitioning Directors new to finance
Cohort Size
12 to 40 people
Duration
Adaptable 20- to 30-hour curriculum over 3 to 6 weeks
Case Study Discussions
Small study group discussions on business and financial acumen topics
Fluent in Finance Coursework
Abilitie’s award-winning financial acumen course
Integration of Your Organization’s Finances
Leverage internal finance experts to tailor the program experience
Capstone
Cohorts come together to celebrate successes and look to the future
Learn More About The Developing Business Acumen Program
We work with clients in interactive design workshops to find the right solution for you. Give us a call at (512) 593-8726 to schedule an exploratory conversation today.





