Business sustainability

Building a sustainable business in the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides significant growth opportunities for disability service providers, and more freedom in how they choose to deliver their services.

Operating effectively under the NDIS requires an understanding of how to navigate a fee-for-service environment. This includes managing cash flow, payments and invoicing, attracting and retaining workers and NDIS participants, and understanding the NDIS environment.

Support resources
The Australian Government was providing support to providers to get business advice to help them succeed.

• Transition Assistance Funding of up to $20,000 (excluding GST) was available for providers to purchase tailored professional services, including business advice, to grow their business and workforce capability. The Transition Assistance Funding initiative formally closed in May 2021.

To see projected demand for NDIS services in your area:

• Visit the NDIS Demand Map to see potential market opportunities to provide services and supports to NDIS participants. 

To comply with NDIS registration responsibilities:

• Registration processes differ between states and territories. Please visit the Getting started as an NDIS provider page for more information about registering under the NDIS.

To attract and retain NDIS participants:

• National Disability Services provides information about marketing in the NDIS. 

To understand NDIS pricing: 

• The NDIA price guide shows the types of services funded in the NDIS and how much you can get paid for delivering them. 

To manage cash flow:

• The Australian Taxation Office provides resources to understand and model cash flow, along with other resources and webinars.

To manage payments and invoicing:

• The Community Business Bureau works with not-for-profits to build their business capability, and are specialists in the NDIS transition. 
• The National Disability Practitioners website provides resources for very small providers and sole traders, including how to invoice for NDIS services.
• The Costing and Pricing Program for Disability Service Providers provides information (including templates) on how to undertake costing and pricing services in the NDIS.

To attract and retain workers:

• Contact an employment services provider in your region who will work with you to find the best candidate for your business. They can screen and shortlist job seekers on their caseload and may facilitate police checks and other entry requirements such as first aid certificates for suitable candidates.
• Advertise your position on Workforce Australia. It’s free and a quick and easy way to advertise to thousands of job seekers.