From idea to growth. Built on execution.
Premium, hands-on support for Australian startup founders building something scalable. We work alongside you on strategy, planning, financial forecasting, sales and marketing, investor pitching, business plans and grant applications, so your idea becomes a growing business.
Book a call · hello@startupsaustralia.com
Our services
Mentoring Sessions
Regular one-on-one sessions with a senior advisor who has supported 350+ startups. Bring your hardest decisions, get clear answers, and leave every session with agreed actions and accountability.
Strategy & Planning
Clarify your business model, set priorities and build a 90-day execution plan with milestones you can measure. Focus the team on what moves the business forward.
Financial Forecasting
Build a financial model you understand and can defend: revenue drivers, costs, cash flow, runway and funding needs. Ready for investors, lenders and grant panels.
Sales & Marketing
Sharpen your positioning, choose the right channels and build a repeatable sales process. Practical systems that win customers without a big budget or team.
Investor Pitching
Craft a standout pitch deck, investment narrative and outreach strategy, then rehearse until it lands. Whether you are pitching an angel, VC or panel, walk in prepared.
Business Plans
A clear, credible business plan built with you, covering market, model, operations, financials and growth. Written for the people you need to convince.
Grant Applications
Identify the grants your business is eligible for, structure a compelling case and prepare every document, from eligibility checks to submission.
Tech & Product Development
Bring your product to life. We design and build websites, mobile apps, SaaS platforms and AI-powered tools, from MVP scoping and prototyping through to launch.
Ethical AI, Governance & Compliance
Adopt AI the right way: choose ethical AI tools, set up governance and policy, meet privacy obligations, and train your team to use AI safely and productively.
How it works
- Book a call — we learn where your business is, what is slowing you down and what progress should look like over the next 90 days.
- Get your execution plan — clear priorities, milestones and the numbers that matter.
- Execute together — regular mentoring sessions and hands-on support until the work is done.
About Startups Australia
Startups Australia was founded by Dr Lydia Canovas Saiz, an entrepreneur, researcher and business advisor with more than 15 years of international experience across startups, innovation, investment and business growth. She has supported more than 350 startups, founders and innovation-led businesses. Based in Townsville, working with founders across Australia and internationally.
Founder guides
Start
- Validate your idea before you build — Test whether people actually want it — cheaply, and before you spend money.
- Understanding your market & competitors — Get to know your customers and competition before you commit — it’s easier than it sounds.
- The founder mindset (and avoiding burnout) — Building a business is a marathon — here’s how to look after the founder too.
- Startup vs small business — which are you building? — Two great paths, very different playbooks. Knowing yours changes everything.
- How to get your first customer — The scrappy, personal path from zero to one — no ad budget required.
Build
- Business planning & models — A lean plan you will actually use — and the model underneath it.
- Branding & marketing on a small budget — Build a brand that connects and a marketing system that actually works.
- Sales & finding customers — Turn interest into paying customers with a simple, repeatable funnel.
- Build your digital presence — A website, domain and channels that make you easy to find and trust.
- Adopting AI responsibly — Use AI to move faster — with the right tools, governance and guardrails.
- Building your first product (MVP) — Get something real into customers’ hands — without betting the house on version one.
- Pricing your product or service — Charge what it’s worth — with confidence and without scaring anyone off.
- Customer experience & keeping customers — Delighted customers stay longer, spend more and bring their friends.
- What business models actually scale — Some models grow with your hours; others grow while you sleep. Know the difference.
- What marketing strategies work best — The honest answer: it depends on your business — here’s how to pick yours.
- What should I outsource to AI? — The tasks AI does brilliantly, the ones it doesn’t, and how to tell the difference.
- Where to learn about managing & growing a business — The best free (and nearly free) ways Australian founders keep levelling up.
Grow & fund
- Funding & investment options — Bootstrapping, grants, angels, VC and crowdfunding — and when each fits.
- Grants & incentives in Australia — Where to find non-dilutive funding — and how to actually win it.
- Pitching & investor readiness — The deck, the story and the prep that get you a second meeting.
- The R&D Tax Incentive, explained — How companies doing genuine technical work claim cash back from the ATO.
- How to find investors — Where Australian investors actually are, and how to reach them warmly.
- How to pitch, step by step — From the 60-second version to the full meeting — a founder’s pitching playbook.
- How to apply for a grant, step by step — From finding the right program to pressing submit — without the overwhelm.
- What other financing options are out there — Beyond investors and grants: loans, revenue-based finance and more.
- When to hire your first employee — The signals you’re ready, the maths to check, and the alternatives to try first.
- How to keep your team motivated — Small-team motivation is mostly free — it’s clarity, trust and momentum.
- Metrics & KPIs that actually matter — A handful of honest numbers beats a dashboard of vanity metrics.
- Hiring & building a team — Employees vs contractors, super, awards and your first key hires.
- Scaling & going global — Build the systems to grow sustainably — and expand beyond Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Startups Australia different?
We focus on what moves the needle — targeted support, a hands-on approach, and measurable outcomes. Our work complements accelerators, incubators and hubs rather than competing with them.
How do your engagements work?
Every engagement is tailored to your stage, goals and scope. We start with a call to understand where you are, then recommend the right mix of mentoring and hands-on support.
Do you help with registration, tax or legal matters?
No. We focus on execution for scalable startups: strategy, forecasting, sales and marketing, pitching and grants. For registration, tax and legal questions we recommend a registered accountant, tax agent or lawyer.
Who founded Startups Australia?
Dr Lydia Canovas — an entrepreneur, investor and advisor who has supported over 350 startups. After co-founding an investment firm in Europe, she relocated to Australia and now leads our team.
Do you work with clients outside Townsville?
Absolutely. We're based in Townsville but work fully online with founders across Australia and internationally — consults, strategy and ongoing support all happen virtually.
What stage of business do you work with?
All stages — from early idea to growth. Whether you're validating a concept or preparing to raise, we tailor our support to where you are.
Can I work with you if I haven't launched yet?
Yes — many clients come to us in the idea or planning phase. We'll help you test your concept, define your model, and plan a smart path forward.
Do you build business plans or pitch decks for me?
Yes. We build business plans, financial forecasts and pitch decks with you, working closely so you understand and own every number and claim.
How do I get started?
Book a call with our team or email hello@startupsaustralia.com. We'll understand your goals and recommend the support that fits best.