Are you planning to start your own NDIS business? Then, you’ll want to read on.
Whether it’s in home care services, caregiver relief, employment support or transportation for medical appointments, there is plenty you need to do before you can get yourself fully operational.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the pathway to becoming a registered NDIS provider. It might seem like an involved process, but if you follow these steps, your application to open your own NDIS business should run smoothly.
1. Establish your business structure
The first thing you will need to do if you want to start your own NDIS business is to choose a legal structure.
Whether you decide to operate as a company, partnership or sole trader is up to you, but you should contact the Australian Taxation Office or a lawyer to find out the business benefits of each.
2. Draw up a plan
After deciding on your business structure, it is important to create a business plan and marketing plan for your NDIS business.
Your business plan should cover aspects such as your goals and objectives, target audience, and pricing arrangements. Moreover, it should also detail your strategies for reaching potential customers and even franchising your business once it has gained traction.
On the other hand, your marketing plan should be focused on how you will promote your services to your target audience and what your core messages will be.
3. Register your business and secure an ABN
To register your business as a NDIS provider, you will have to inform the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and secure an Australian Business Number (ABN).
The ABN is essential for tax purposes, and you can’t operate a business without one.
4. Apply for NDIS Registration
Once you have acquired your ABN, the next step is to apply for NDIS registration.
To do this, you should fill out the online application form on the NDIS Commission website.
You will need to provide your organisation’s contact information, ABN, and various other details about your organisation and what you propose to do.
5. Complete a NDIS Practice Standards Self-Assessment
As part of your application for NDIS registration, you will also need to complete a self-assessment against the NDIS practice standards. This is designed to convey the safety requirements and quality standards for NDIS providers.
This self-assessment process can be useful in identifying areas within your business which you might need to tighten up or improve prior to undergoing a certification or verification audit.
6. Complete the Process of Certification Audit
Talking of the certification or verification audit, you will be required to complete one after you have completed the self-assessment. However, depending on the type of registration group you are applying for, it might need to be conducted by an approved quality auditor.
This audit is significant because it is done to make sure your proposed business is compliant with the expected NDIS practice standards.
7. Wait for the NDIS Commission to Decide
After you submit the audit documentation, your application will be assessed by the NDIS Commission.
This could take weeks or months because they will want to make sure all their criteria are satisfied. However, if approved, successful applicants will be awarded the status of a registered NDIS providers.
Should your application be denied, you will have the opportunity to appeal the ruling via the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
8. Set up your NDIS Service
If you are successful in having your application approved, you can start to set up your NDIS service.
This will include aspects such as finding a head office location, equipping your office with the right technology, including NDIS software for providers, implementing and delivering services that will assist your NDIS client base and ensuring your brand is protected.
9. Hire the right staff
At the same time as setting up your NDIS Service you will need to hire a workforce. This is a process that should not be rushed as you will want to identify, attract and procure the right people.
Using an employment agency that specialises in the NDIS Service sector can be an advantageous way of doing this.
10. Market Your NDIS Business
Lastly, it’s time to let the world know about your business!
Your marketing plan should have identified several ways to promote your organisation and attract NDIS clients. As part of it, you should consider connecting with support coordinators, as they can direct NDIS participants towards your services.