Helping Business Owners drive outcomes in a SAFe implementation
The Business Owner role is one of the most important, and most misunderstood, in SAFe. Business Owners are not just sponsors; they are active participants in value delivery. They attend PI Planning, set the priorities that guide the ART, assign business value to team objectives, and provide ongoing strategic direction throughout the Programme Increment.
When Business Owners are uncertain about what the role asks of them, the effects ripple across the entire train. Teams receive unclear priorities, PI Planning becomes less productive, and the connection between strategy and delivery weakens. This course addresses that directly.
Through facilitated learning, scenario discussions, and action planning, participants leave with clarity on their responsibilities, confidence in how to engage with the ART, and a concrete plan for the challenges they are currently facing.
What your people will learn
- The key responsibilities of the Business Owner role in a SAFe environment
- How to participate effectively in PI Planning and assign meaningful business value
- How to maintain strategic alignment between the portfolio and the ART
- How to make better prioritisation and investment decisions using Lean Portfolio thinking
- How to foster collaboration between teams, stakeholders, and portfolio leadership
- How to sustain a culture of relentless improvement from a leadership position
- How to challenge and course-correct when delivery drifts from strategic intent
- How to complete and act on a personal Business Owner action plan
Who this course is for
- Executives, directors, and senior leaders guiding SAFe transformations
- Current and aspiring Business Owners at any level of the organisation
- Leaders responsible for strategy, funding, and organisational alignment
- Senior stakeholders who participate in, or should be participating in, PI Planning
- Transformation sponsors who want to understand how to stay actively involved in delivery
- Heads of department or product lines operating within a SAFe environment
Credential and recognition
The SAFe Business Owner micro-credential recognises completion of the course and demonstrated understanding of the Business Owner role. Unlike most SAFe certifications, it does not require an annual renewal exam, making it a practical and appropriate recognition for senior leaders.
- SAFe® Business Owner micro-credential badge
- Knowledge checks and interactive activities built into the course day
- No annual renewal or ongoing maintenance requirement
- Certificate of completion
The course uses the Miro collaboration tool for group exercises. Attendees should be able to access Miro and a personal device is strongly recommended.
What attendees get after the course
- SAFe® Business Owner micro-credential badge on successful completion
- Certificate of completion
- Personal action plan developed during the course, specific to their organisation's context
- Access to SAFe Studio resources relevant to the Business Owner role
Prerequisites
No formal prerequisites. This course is suitable for leaders with varying levels of SAFe experience, including those new to the framework.
- Access to Miro is required to participate fully in the collaborative exercises
- A personal device (laptop or tablet) is strongly recommended
Why organisations choose this course
Many SAFe implementations invest heavily in training delivery teams while leaving senior leaders, the people who set priorities and fund the work, without a clear picture of their own role. That misalignment has a direct effect on PI Planning quality and overall ART performance.
This course gives Business Owners the clarity they need to be genuinely useful rather than just nominally present.
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Delivery options
We provide this as a private course for organisations, either remotely or in person. Bringing your Business Owner community together as a cohort maximises the value of the action planning exercises and allows the discussion to reflect your specific transformation context.
In-person delivery is particularly effective for this course given the facilitated and action-oriented nature of the content.
About the micro-credential
Scaled Agile Inc. introduced the Business Owner micro-credential as a focused, accessible recognition for senior leaders in SAFe, without the exam and renewal cycle that would be inappropriate for this audience. It reflects genuine engagement with the role, not just nominal sponsorship.
Lead trainer
Matt Hosking
SAFe Premier Trainer & A-SPC
Matt has been working with SAFe since 2012 and regularly facilitates this course for leadership teams. The private format means discussions stay grounded in your transformation rather than generic examples.