This guide explains how to start my own NDIS business step by step, from choosing services to meeting compliance and registration requirements.
Starting your own NDIS business can feel overwhelming at first.
However, with the right steps and clear guidance, it becomes much more manageable.
If you’ve ever asked, “How do I start my own NDIS?”, this guide will walk you through the process from idea to operation in plain English.
f you need help at any stage, our NDIS provider registration and compliance support service guides new providers through each step of starting and growing an NDIS business.
Step 1: Understand the NDIS before you start your own NDIS business
Before you begin, it’s important to understand the system you are entering.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that supports people with disability to live more independently.
As a provider, your role is to deliver approved supports that help participants achieve their goals.
That said, the NDIS is not a grant or a business loan it’s a regulated service environment with clear rules and responsibilities.
Step 2: choose services when you start your own NDIS business
Next, you need to be clear about what supports your business will provide.
For example, you might choose:
- Assistance with daily living
- Community participation
- Support coordination
- Cleaning or domestic assistance
- Transport supports
Because different services carry different risks, this decision will directly affect whether you need to register or can start unregistered.
Therefore, defining your service scope early is essential.
Step 3: decide how to start your own NDIS business (registered or unregistered)
At this point, many new providers get stuck so let’s simplify it.
You can start as:
- An unregistered NDIS provider (for self-managed & plan-managed participants only), or
- A registered NDIS provider (can support all participant types, including NDIA-managed)
Starting unregistered is often faster and cheaper.
However, registration allows more growth and credibility long term.
As a result, many providers start unregistered and register later.
Step 4: Legal setup to start your won NDIS business
Once your service type is clear, you will need to set up your business properly.
This usually includes:
- Registering an ABN
- Choosing a business structure (sole trader or company)
- Registering a business name (if needed)
- Opening a business bank account
- Arranging public liability and professional indemnity insurance
Without this step, you won’t be able to operate legally or invoice participants.
Step 5: core policies needed to start your own NDIS business
Even if you start unregistered, you still need systems.
In fact, this is where many new providers go wrong.
At a minimum, you should have:
- Incident management process
- Complaints handling procedure
- Risk management approach
- Worker screening checks
- Service agreements
- Privacy and record-keeping systems
Because of this, building compliance early saves stress later especially if you plan to register.
Step 6: pricing rules when you start your own NDIS business
Before delivering supports, you must understand:
- NDIS pricing limits
- Correct support item numbers
- Travel and cancellation rules
Otherwise, you risk undercharging, overcharging, or being unable to claim payments.
Therefore, learning the NDIS Price Guide relevant to your services is critical.
Step 7: Finding participants when you start your own NDIS business
Now comes the practical part getting clients.
Common ways to start include:
- Networking with support coordinators
- Connecting with plan managers
- Local community outreach
- Online presence (website, Google Business Profile)
- Referrals from families and carers
However, trust matters more than marketing in the NDIS space.
So, clear communication and ethical practice go a long way.
Step 8: growing after you start your own NDIS business
As your business grows, you may:
- Receive requests you can’t accept while unregistered
- Want access to NDIA-managed participants
- Expand into regulated supports like SIL or behaviour support
At that stage, NDIS registration becomes the logical next step.
Planning early makes this transition smoother and less expensive.
Common Mistakes New NDIS Providers Make
To help you avoid setbacks, here are some common mistakes:
- Starting without understanding compliance obligations
- Offering services outside their allowed scope
- Not using proper service agreements
- Ignoring incident and risk management
- Waiting too long to seek professional guidance
Fortunately, these mistakes are avoidable with the right support.
Final Thoughts: Starting Your Own NDIS Business
To sum up, starting your own NDIS business is absolutely possible even if you are new.
When you:
- Choose the right services
- Set up legally
- Build basic systems
- Understand compliance early
You give your business a strong foundation from day one.
Need Help Getting Started the Right Way?
At Providers Consultant, we support new and growing NDIS providers with:
- Step-by-step startup guidance
- Unregistered vs registered advice
- Policies, systems, and audit preparation
- Ongoing compliance support
If you are serious about starting your own NDIS business, start it right not rushed.
All NDIS providers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and provider obligations set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, even when starting out.