Most people come to us at the beginning — a new idea, a new business, and a desire to do it properly from day one. Here's how it works.
Before you start trading, you need to decide how your business will operate. Sole trader, company, or trust — the decision has long-term tax, legal, and asset protection consequences, and getting it wrong early is expensive to fix later.
The structure you choose determines how you're taxed, how your assets are protected, who owns what, and how easy the business is to sell one day. A sole trader setup takes minutes but costs you significantly in tax and protection as your business grows.
A company or trust structure is more complex to set up — but it's the foundation that everything else is built on. We make it straightforward.
Most clients are set up and ready to trade within days of their onboarding call.
Book a setup call →This step won't apply to everyone — most people go straight from Step 1 to Step 3. But if you're looking at an existing business or franchise, stop before you sign anything.
What looks good on the surface often tells a very different story once you look at the numbers properly. We provide strategic advice and financial due diligence so you know exactly what you're buying, what it's really worth, and what risks you're taking on.
Many business buyers discover problems after the deal is done. Due diligence exists so you don't become one of them.
Every Startup Sherpa package is built around one goal — your first $1,000,000 in annual revenue.
The package you start on reflects where your business is today. As your revenue grows, your support level grows with it.
*Software costs charged separately at cost
Get started with Basecamp| Service | Basecamp | Ascent | Summit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup & Compliance | |||
| Xero & DEXT account setup (software at cost)* | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| BAS lodgement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Annual company or trust tax return | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Personal tax returns (x2) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| ASIC registered agent (inc. lodgements & resolutions) | Add-on $300/yr | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Bookkeeping & Reporting | |||
| Monthly bookkeeping | Add-on $175/mo | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Monthly management reports | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Job profitability analysis | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cashflow forecasting | — | — | ✓ |
| KPI dashboard | — | — | ✓ |
| CFO Services | |||
| Annual tax planning meeting | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quarterly CFO meetings | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Monthly CFO meeting | — | — | ✓ |
| Structure & strategy advice | Add-on | Add-on | ✓ Included |
| Support | |||
| Support calls | 4 calls/year | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Payroll services | POA add-on | POA add-on | POA add-on |
| Education & Community | |||
| Monthly live coaching webinars | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guest referral pass (1 per session) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Full video course access | — | — | ✓ Included |
Your package is reviewed annually and adjusted to match your revenue tier. If your business grows significantly mid-year, we'll have a conversation about moving you up sooner.
You're also welcome to upgrade voluntarily at any time if you want more support before you hit the threshold.
Not sure which tier you're in yet? Take the quiz →
Once you've chosen your package, the last step is your onboarding call with Craig. This is where the relationship begins properly.
Your onboarding call is a chance to put a human face to your journey — tell us about your business, and make sure we understand where you're headed and how we can best support you.
If you've purchased a business structure setup with us, we'll provide advice on the best structure and answer any questions you might have.
Your onboarding call sets the tone for everything that follows. Here's how it works.
Take the three-minute quiz and we'll tell you exactly which path you're on and which package makes sense for where you are today.