Perth-based · Serving founders nationwide
Clear-headed advice before your first big founder decisions
Dogwood Path Advisory works with first-time founders who are turning an idea into a registered business — helping you choose structure, set a realistic budget, and prepare for conversations with banks, landlords, and early hires.
What founders come to us for
Most clients arrive with a specific decision on the table — not a vague wish to "grow faster."
Structure before registration
Choosing between sole trader, partnership, or company affects tax, liability, and how you bring on a co-founder. We walk through the trade-offs in plain language.
Early cash planning
Before revenue arrives, you need a budget that covers rent, stock, insurance, and your own drawings. We build a 12-month view you can take to your accountant.
First hire readiness
When to bring someone on, what to pay, and which obligations apply under Australian employment law — covered in a focused session, not a generic HR checklist.
Advisory offerings
Each engagement is scoped to a defined outcome. Browse the full list or start with our flagship founder advisory.
Founder Advisory Sessions
A structured series of sessions for first-time founders making their earliest business decisions.
Business Plan Review
An independent review of your draft business plan before you present it to a bank, landlord, or investor.
Funding Preparation
Get your numbers, narrative, and documents ready before approaching a bank or investor.
"I walked in thinking I needed a company straight away. Elena spent ninety minutes mapping my actual risk — supplier terms, a small workshop lease — and we settled on sole trader with a clear upgrade path. Saved me roughly $2,400 in setup costs I did not need yet."
From the field notes
Practical articles on decisions first-time founders face in the first twelve months.
Sole Trader or Company: A Decision Framework for First-Time Founders
How to choose between sole trader, partnership, and company registration when you are starting your first business in Australia.
Building a Pre-Revenue Budget That Survives Contact With Reality
How to estimate your costs before the first sale — and the assumptions first-time founders most often get wrong.
Ready to talk through your next decision?
We typically respond to enquiries within two business days. Initial calls are 20 minutes and carry no obligation.