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Your Startup Finance Questions Answered

We've worked with over 200 Australian founders since 2019. Most ask similar questions when they're getting started. Here's what we've learned from those conversations — and what might help you right now.

Kelton Varnish, financial strategist
Kelton Varnish
Financial Strategy Lead

Based in Robina, helping Queensland startups navigate their first few years since 2018.

Core Topics We Cover

We've organized answers based on where you are in your startup path. Most people start with Module 1 and work their way through as their needs evolve.

1

Early-Stage Cash Flow

When you're pre-revenue or just starting to see income, cash flow feels unpredictable. We cover how to build a buffer, manage irregular income, and decide what expenses actually matter in your first year.

Questions most asked: Months 1-8
2

Funding Without Losing Control

Bootstrapping versus external funding. We get into alternatives to VC that still give you growth capital — think revenue-based financing, government grants specific to Australia, and strategic partnerships that don't dilute equity.

Questions most asked: Months 6-18
3

Tax Strategy for Growth

Once revenue starts coming in, founders worry about tax obligations. We break down R&D tax incentives, when to bring on a proper accountant, and how to structure things so you're not scrambling during tax season.

Questions most asked: Year 1-2
4

Scaling Without Breaking

Growing too fast can drain your resources faster than staying small. This module addresses hiring decisions, when to invest in infrastructure, and how to pace expansion based on what you can actually afford.

Questions most asked: Year 2-3
Visual representation of startup financial progression stages

Most startups follow a similar financial arc. Understanding where you are helps you ask better questions and avoid problems before they become urgent.

Startup workspace showing financial planning materials
Updated Jan 2025

Quick Wins You Can Apply Today

Small changes that make a noticeable difference in how you handle money during your first two years.

Separate personal and business accounts immediately

Sounds basic, but you'd be surprised. It saves hours during tax prep and gives you clarity on actual business performance.

Track expenses weekly, not monthly

Monthly reviews feel overwhelming. Spending 15 minutes every Friday keeps things manageable and helps you spot problems early.

Build a three-month runway before hiring

Your first hire changes everything. Having buffer money prevents panic when revenue dips or an unexpected cost hits.

Pay yourself consistently, even if it's small

Zero salary sounds noble but burns you out. Even a modest regular payment helps you think clearly and avoid desperate decisions.

How We Help You Apply This

Reading about finance is one thing. Actually implementing it in your specific situation is different. We've developed a few approaches to bridge that gap.

Darnell Quilp, startup finance consultant
Darnell Quilp, Consultant

"Most founders don't need complex financial models right away. They need someone to look at their specific numbers and say 'here's what matters this quarter.' That's what our sessions focus on."

Q

Quarterly Check-ins

We review your finances every three months and adjust strategy based on what's actually happening in your business — not just what the plan said should happen.

S

Scenario Planning

Before making big decisions, we run numbers on different outcomes. Helps you see risks and opportunities you might not have considered on your own.

T

Template Libraries

Spreadsheets and frameworks we've refined over five years. You get access to the actual tools we use with clients — no generic downloads that don't fit real situations.

A

Ask-Anything Access

Email or call when questions come up between sessions. Sometimes a quick five-minute conversation prevents a costly mistake or helps you act on an opportunity faster.

Programs Start September 2025

We're accepting applications for our autumn cohort. Small group format means we can give your situation proper attention.

Get in Touch About Joining