Built on Real Experience, Not Just Theory
We started mendolivra in 2018 because we saw too many business owners getting tangled in unnecessary complexity. After years of working with entrepreneurs who just wanted straightforward answers, we decided to create something different.
How We Actually Work
Most people who contact us aren't financial experts. They're tradespeople starting their own thing, creatives launching a studio, or professionals going solo. And they don't need jargon.
We built our approach around conversations that make sense. When someone comes to us with a business idea, we don't hand them a checklist. We sit down and figure out what structure actually fits their situation. Sometimes that's a simple sole trader setup. Other times it's a company. Depends on the plan.
Our office in Surry Hills has become a bit of a hub over the years. People drop by for coffee and end up talking through their entire business model. That's the kind of environment we wanted to build.
Three Things We Focus On
We don't try to be everything to everyone. These are the areas where we can genuinely help.
Structure Setup
Getting the legal structure right from the start saves headaches later. We help you choose between sole trader, partnership, or company registration based on what you're actually building. No cookie-cutter recommendations.
Practical Compliance
Tax obligations, reporting requirements, and regulatory stuff can feel overwhelming. We break it down into manageable pieces and set you up with systems that work. Our clients often tell us they wish they'd started with proper structure from day one.
Growth Planning
As your business changes, your structure might need adjustments. We help you think through expansion, partnerships, and changes in ownership. The conversations we have in year three are different from the ones we had in year one.
People Behind the Desk
Declan Whitmore
Founding Director
Started my career in corporate finance and quickly realized I preferred working with smaller businesses. There's something satisfying about helping someone take an idea from concept to actual operating company. I've been doing this for twelve years now, and the part I enjoy most is watching clients figure things out.
Outside the office, I'm usually at the local climbing gym or trying to keep my vegetable garden alive. My partner says I talk about business structures at dinner parties too much.
"The best advice I can give someone starting out is to ask questions until things actually make sense. If your advisor can't explain something clearly, that's on them, not you."
Rhiannon Kilbride
Senior Compliance Advisor
I joined mendolivra in 2020 after working in banking regulation. What drew me here was the chance to work directly with business owners rather than being buried in institutional bureaucracy. Most of my days involve helping clients understand what compliance actually means for their specific situation.
I'm originally from Adelaide but moved to Sydney for university and stayed. When I'm not reviewing company documents, I'm either at a gig in Newtown or attempting to learn Portuguese. Making progress on one of those things, at least.
"Compliance doesn't have to be scary. Once you understand the logic behind the rules, it's just about building good habits. That's what we help people with."
Let's Talk About Your Situation
Whether you're just starting to think about structure or you've hit a growth point that needs attention, we're happy to have a conversation. No pressure, no sales pitch.
Get In Touch