The power of startup metrics for founders Jump to What are startup metrics? Why are metrics important? How do you know which metrics to track, and when? What happens next? Share As a startup founder, you’ve got big ideas, and the resolve to make them a reality. But it’s not all about the concept – behind the scenes you need some solid planning and tracking. And that’s where startup metrics become important.  In this article we’ll do a brief dive into what they are, why they are important, and when to track them. Then we’ve got loads of other resources for you to keep the momentum ..read more

Major changes: Australian export grants upgraded for global edge This article originally appeared on Avant Group’s website. In a significant overhaul aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, Austrade is setting its sights on fostering a more competitive and prepared Australian export sector. Key changes will commence for grant agreements issued after July 2024 and include: Eligibility changes including a requirement for a minimum trading history of 2 years and $100K revenue in the previous FY prior to applying. Ability to demonstrate ca ..read more

Navigating overseas growth: Top 10 international tax considerations for Aussie businesses Jump to Structuring the expansion Capital gains tax Australian tax residency Impact on Aussie shareholders Taxation of profits when coming back Taxation of gains on disposal Effective tax rate to shareholders Intragroup transactions and transfer pricing Foreign withholding taxes on intragroup transactions ESS and ESOPs Summary Share Expanding your business overseas can be a strategic and exciting move to tap into new markets and unlock growth opportunities. But before you book those tickets, the ..read more

Thinking of doing R&D in Australia? Jump to What is R&D? Why do R&D in Australia? What are the main considerations? How does it work? Are you eligible? Help is available! Share Here’s what you need to know. With your startup growing you’ll naturally start to consider doing business overseas. There’s a lot to think about around this (we can help with all of it!), but in particular there is one area that we think is a massive drawcard for doing business in Australia – the R&D Tax Incentive.  Fortunately, we have an actual expert in this field working here at Standard ..read more

Founder story: Iggy Jovanovic from Gerford AI Jump to What is Gerford AI? What problem are you solving? Your light bulb moment What stage are you at now? Biggest lesson you’ve learned? How have we helped? Personal sacrifices More stories Share The Gerford AI founder story Meet Iggy Jovanovic, a sports enthusiast who truly believes in the power of small improvements, even just 1%, for athletes. Through his company, Gerford AI, he’s doing his part to make a difference in the world of sports. We recently supported Founder, Iggy Jovanovic, with financial modelling to help identify growth o ..read more

Expanding to the UK: Set up checklist Jump to Choose your business structure Register with Companies House Register with HMRC Key considerations for UK employees What to consider Banking Want an Expanding to the UK Guide? Where to get affordable help Share Thinking of expanding from AU to the UK? Great idea! Speaking from experience, the UK is a great place to be in business. It’s big, brimming with opportunity and very well mannered ? . But with expansion come all the niggly details of setting up in another country. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, so we’ve put together a checklist to he ..read more

Selling a business? 8 key steps for startup founders Jump to Why are you selling? Why would someone buy your business? Who are your potential buyers? What type of sale are you aiming for? What sort of valuation do you need? What if you need to raise funds? How and when do you tell your team? What are the main tax considerations? Help is available. Share When you’re running a business, especially in the fast-moving startup world, you should regularly think about whether to: Raise more funding to reach profitability Hold onto a profitable business and keep growing Sell your business a ..read more

Giving away shares in your startup? Jump to Shares versus share options Why does it matter? Tax implications of shares Tax implications of discounted shares Tax implications of share options The juicy side of share options How many share options should you give? More info Share Why it might not be the best idea and what to consider instead If you’re considering giving shares to an incoming co-founder or startup team member, you’re definitely not alone.  As accountants and CFOs for startups, we’ve helped clients with employee equity plans for years. However, they are on the rise a ..read more

Founder story: Nadun Hennayaka from Gaia Project Jump to What is the Gaia Project? What problem are you solving? Your light bulb moment What happened next? What stage are you at now? How have we helped? Personal sacrifices More stories Share The Gaia Project founder story Nadun Hennayaka was once a corporate IT professional. Now, he’s leading an agtech startup with a big vision for humanity, and a recent NASA award under its belt.  We’re fortunate to work with Nadun through our R&D Tax Incentive service. And we’re glad to bring you his story so far – a classic entrepreneurial ..read more

Tax planning (yep, it's a thing) Jump to Starting now Too much? Share Starting now – before 30 June We get it. Tax planning doesn’t sound like the most appealing way to spend your time. But how does saving money for your business sound? Chances are, you can with our 9 quick points below. Which ones can your business action? Starting… now. Because a little tax planning now should be well worth it come 30 June. So don’t look away! Look down. ?️ 1. Claim immediate deductions if purchasing assets As long as your turnover is under $5 billion (!), you can likely claim an immediate t ..read more