Building Financial Foundations That Actually Work

Starting a business in Australia means dealing with real money decisions from day one. We'll walk you through the financial groundwork that matters—budgeting, cash flow management, and planning for growth without the usual nonsense about overnight success.

Explore Our Program
Financial planning workspace with documents and laptop

The First Year Reality

Most startups burn through savings faster than expected. We focus on practical expense tracking, understanding your burn rate, and building buffers that keep you operational when clients pay late or sales slow down.

Managing Variable Income

Cash flow in early-stage businesses rarely follows a pattern. You'll learn to forecast conservatively, separate business and personal finances properly, and create systems that work even when revenue fluctuates month to month.

Smart Growth Decisions

Knowing when to reinvest versus when to hold back can make or break your business. We cover the financial indicators that signal you're ready to hire, expand, or invest in new equipment without overextending yourself.

Business meeting discussing financial strategies Startup team reviewing financial documents

Understanding Your Funding Options

Bootstrapping Basics

Self-funding gives you complete control but requires disciplined money management. We'll show you how to calculate your runway, prioritize spending, and stretch resources without compromising quality or burning out.

Small Business Loans

Australian banks offer various loan products for startups, but the application process can be confusing. Learn what lenders actually look for, how to prepare financial statements they want to see, and realistic timelines for approval.

Finding Angel Investors

Angel investors look for more than just good ideas. You'll understand how to value your company reasonably, present financials that inspire confidence, and structure deals that protect your interests while attracting investment.

Grant Opportunities

Government and industry grants exist for Australian startups, though competition is real. We break down which grants match different business types, how to write applications that stand out, and managing compliance requirements.

What Sets Successful Startups Apart

After working with dozens of Australian startups over the past eight years, I've noticed patterns. The businesses that survive past year three share specific financial habits—and it's rarely about having the biggest budget or fanciest systems.

Successful founders check their numbers weekly, not monthly. They understand their unit economics before scaling. And they're honest with themselves about what's working and what's draining resources without return.

Financial Practice Struggling Startups Thriving Startups
Cash Flow Monitoring Monthly reviews only Weekly tracking system
Expense Management Reactive cost cutting Proactive budget planning
Financial Forecasting Optimistic projections Conservative estimates
Record Keeping Inconsistent documentation Systematic organization
Professional Advice DIY everything approach Strategic accountant relationship
Financial advisor Callum Whitlock
Callum Whitlock

Led finance for three bootstrapped startups before founding his own consultancy in Perth. Specializes in helping founders who hate spreadsheets actually understand their numbers.

Business strategist Petra Kjeldsen
Petra Kjeldsen

Works with early-stage companies across Melbourne on realistic growth planning. Former CFO who got tired of watching good businesses fail due to poor financial literacy.

Your Learning Journey Starts July 2026

Our next cohort begins mid-year with a structured six-month program. You'll work through real financial scenarios, build your own systems, and connect with other founders facing similar challenges.

Months 1-2

Financial Foundations

Setting up proper bookkeeping systems, understanding your cost structure, and creating cash flow projections that actually reflect your business reality. You'll build your first operating budget and learn to spot red flags early.

Months 3-4

Funding and Investment

Exploring different funding paths with realistic pros and cons for each. You'll practice pitching your financials, prepare documents investors request, and understand valuation basics without the Silicon Valley hype.

Months 5-6

Growth Planning

Making smart expansion decisions backed by solid numbers. Learn to evaluate opportunities objectively, plan for seasonal variations, and build financial resilience that carries you through inevitable rough patches.

Ready to Build Something Sustainable?

Join our July 2026 program and learn financial management from people who've actually done it. No guarantees about becoming the next unicorn—just practical skills that help real businesses survive and grow in Australia's startup landscape.

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