We Started Where You Are Now
Back in 2019, three of us sat in a cramped Canberra office, frustrated with how business finance was being taught. Everything felt theoretical. Textbook examples that didn't match what real businesses actually face.
So we did something about it. daverilonpx grew from those conversations—and from watching too many capable people struggle because traditional finance education missed the mark.
Built on Real Experience, Not Theory
We've worked with over 280 Australian businesses since we started. Small operations trying to understand their cash flow. Growing companies needing to restructure their revenue models. Entrepreneurs who were brilliant at their craft but drowning in spreadsheets.
What we learned: most finance education assumes you already know the basics. It doesn't. And it rarely addresses the messy reality of running a business in Australia's market.
Our approach came from watching what actually helped people. Breaking down complex financial models into decisions you can make on Tuesday. Explaining business structures using examples from companies you'd recognize. Teaching the finance skills that matter when you're trying to keep a business sustainable.
How We Got Here
A timeline of learning what works—and what doesn't—in financial education for real businesses.
First Workshops
Started with weekend sessions for local business owners. Twelve people showed up to the first one. We covered business model basics and everyone stayed two hours past the scheduled end time.
Program Evolution
Expanded to structured six-month programs after feedback showed people needed ongoing support, not just one-off training. Built curriculum around actual business challenges our participants faced.
Regional Reach
Launched online components to support businesses outside Canberra. Started working with regional entrepreneurs who couldn't access in-person financial education in their areas.
What Guides Our Work
Practical Over Perfect
We teach finance that works for businesses operating in the real world. Sometimes that means simpler models. Sometimes it means acknowledging that cash flow projections are educated guesses. Always means being honest about what you actually need to know.
Context Matters
Australian business regulations are different. Our market conditions are different. We focus on what's relevant here—from BAS statements to the specific challenges of operating in our geographic market.
Ongoing Learning
Business finance isn't something you learn once and forget. Models evolve. Regulations change. Your business grows. We structure programs to support that reality with resources you can return to as situations change.
Who's Behind This
Small team, big focus on making financial education actually useful for business owners.
Esther Kirkwood
Esther spent eight years in corporate finance before realizing she was more interested in helping small businesses understand their numbers than optimizing someone else's quarterly reports.
She designed most of our core curriculum after noticing the same financial misconceptions coming up repeatedly in consulting sessions. Her approach: explain things once clearly rather than assuming prior knowledge.
Outside of daverilonpx, she volunteers with a microfinance initiative supporting regional entrepreneurs. She's also been known to send extremely detailed feedback on our program materials—usually at 11pm on weeknights.
Ready to Understand Your Business Finances?
Our next program intake starts in September 2025. Six months of practical financial education designed for Australian businesses. Limited spaces available.