Engagement Process
How a Dogwood Path Advisory engagement works — from first enquiry to final deliverables.
Every advisory engagement follows a clear path. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare and sets realistic timelines.
Initial conversation (20 minutes, free)
You tell us about your business idea, what stage you are at, and the decision you need help with. We ask clarifying questions and recommend the smallest engagement that fits — or suggest another professional if your need is outside our scope.
Proposal and deposit
We send a short engagement letter outlining scope, deliverables, timeline, and fee. For packages, a 50% deposit confirms your session dates. Hourly sessions are scheduled upon acceptance of the letter.
Document intake
Before your first session, we ask for any materials you already have: draft plans, quotes, lease documents, or personal budget notes. This is not a test — incomplete information is normal at this stage.
Advisory sessions
Sessions run at our Perth office or via video call. You receive draft documents during the engagement, not only at the end. We encourage questions between sessions by email; brief clarifications are included, substantial new topics may require additional time.
Deliverables and close
Final documents are sent by email in editable formats (spreadsheet, Word, or PDF as appropriate). We include a brief summary of next steps and referrals where relevant. Package engagements close with a short feedback form — optional but appreciated.
Timelines
| Engagement type | Typical duration | Scheduling lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Founder Advisory Sessions | 6 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
| Business Plan Review | 10 business days | 1 week |
| Funding Preparation | 3 weeks | 2 weeks |
| Hourly advisory | Single session | 3–5 business days |
Cancellation and rescheduling
Life happens. Sessions can be rescheduled with 48 hours notice at no charge. See our refund policy for cancellation terms after a deposit is paid.