The complete guide to starting your own NDIS business

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the most significant social reforms in Australia’s history. It provides funding to people living with permanent and significant disabilities, giving them greater choice and control over the supports and services they receive. Through the NDIS, participants can access assistance tailored to their individual goals, whether that means developing independence, improving health, or connecting with their community.

An NDIS business is any organisation or individual that delivers services to participants under the scheme. These businesses play a vital role in ensuring that participants receive high-quality, reliable and personalised care. From large companies and not-for-profits to sole traders, NDIS providers come in many forms, offering a wide range of expertise.

For those considering entering the sector, starting an NDIS business presents both opportunities and responsibilities. It can be rewarding to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, but it also requires careful planning, compliance with regulations, and a strong commitment to delivering consistent, quality services.

What is an NDIS business?

An NDIS business is an organisation or individual formally registered (or in some cases, unregistered but still compliant) to provide supports and services funded by the NDIS. These providers deliver essential services that enable participants to live more independently, improve their wellbeing and pursue their personal goals.

NDIS businesses vary widely in their size, structure and scope of services. Some operate as national companies offering comprehensive care, while others are local sole traders focusing on specialised services like physiotherapy or transport. Regardless of size, the feature of all NDIS businesses is their commitment to improving outcomes for people with disabilities.

Types of NDIS providers

There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to NDIS businesses. Providers come from diverse backgrounds and offer different models of service delivery:

Other business types: Partnerships, family-run businesses, or small community organisations can also become NDIS providers, tailoring their services to local needs.

Large companies: Often operating across multiple regions, these businesses have the resources to deliver a wide range of supports at scale, from healthcare to daily living assistance.

Charities: With a strong community-driven mission, charities often focus on accessibility, advocacy and holistic support for participants.

Not-for-profits: These providers reinvest their earnings into improving services and expanding their reach, rather than generating profits for owners.

Sole traders: Many participants rely on individual service providers, such as allied health professionals, support workers, or counsellors, who deliver personalised, specialised care.

Who NDIS businesses support

NDIS businesses support participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Every participant has an individual plan that outlines their goals and the services they are entitled to access.

Services delivered by NDIS providers are broad and can include:

• Therapy services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physiotherapy.
• Personal care and daily living assistance, including help with cooking, cleaning, and dressing.
• Home modifications to improve accessibility and safety within the home environment.
• Transport services to help participants travel to work, appointments, or community activities.
• Employment support to assist participants in finding and maintaining meaningful work.
• Social and community participation programs that encourage inclusion and connection.

Benefits of starting an NDIS business

The demand for quality NDIS providers continues to grow, creating space for new businesses to thrive. Here are some of the key benefits of starting an NDIS business:

• Making a meaningful social impact.
• Growing demand for disability services.
• Flexibility to choose services offered.
• Opportunities for innovation in service delivery.
• Government-backed funding helps ensure payment reliability.

How to set up an NDIS business

Starting an NDIS business takes careful planning, compliance with regulations, and a strong understanding of participant needs. By following the right steps, you can build a solid foundation for a business that is both impactful and sustainable.

1. Research your business idea

Take time to research your business idea thoroughly. This includes understanding the local demand for services, identifying gaps in the market and considering what supports are most needed in your community. For example, some regions may lack therapy services, while others may need more personal care providers or transport options.

2. Choose a business name

Your business name is the first impression participants and their families will have, so it should be clear, professional, and trustworthy. Before finalising a name, make sure to:

• Check availability with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
• Search the trademark register to avoid conflicts.
• Secure a domain name if you plan to create a website.

3. Register your business

Now, you’ll need to officially register your business. The steps usually include:

1. Apply for an ABN (free through the Australian Business Register).
2. Register your business name with ASIC (small annual or three-year fee).
3. Register for GST if your annual turnover is expected to exceed $75,000.
4. Apply for any licences or permits relevant to your services.
5. Consider registering a trademark to protect your business identity.

4. Hiring staff

If your NDIS business requires staff, it’s vital to hire individuals who are both qualified and aligned with NDIS values. Staff must be trained not just in their roles but also in providing person-centred, respectful care.

Mandatory checks for staff typically include:

• Police checks for criminal history.
• Working with Children checks (if your services involve children).
• First aid and CPR certifications.

Depending on the services you provide, additional qualifications may be required (e.g., allied health degrees or disability support training). Above all, staff should demonstrate a commitment to empowering participants, safeguarding their rights and supporting their goals.

Applying to the NDIS Commission

Once your business is set up and ready to operate, the next step is applying to become a registered NDIS provider. The process is managed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which oversees provider compliance and ensures participants receive safe, high-quality services.

Completing a self-assessment

The application process begins with a self-assessment against the NDIS Practice Standards. These standards cover areas such as risk management, participant rights, service delivery and incident reporting.

During this step, you’ll need to demonstrate how your business meets each requirement. This means preparing detailed documentation of your policies and procedures, including:

• Staff recruitment and training policies.
• Risk and incident management plans.
• Participant safeguarding measures.
• Quality assurance processes.

Choose an approved quality auditor

After completing the self-assessment, you must engage an NDIS Commission–approved auditor to review your application. Auditors independently assess whether your business complies with the NDIS Practice Standards.

The type of audit you need depends on the risk level of the services you plan to deliver:

• Verification audit: For lower-risk providers (e.g., sole traders delivering basic support or less complex services). This audit is usually less intensive and focuses on documentation.
• Certification audit: For higher-risk services (e.g., clinical care, complex supports, or services delivered to vulnerable groups). This audit involves a deeper review, including site visits and interviews.

Submit your application

With your self-assessment and audit underway, you can formally submit your application to the NDIS Commission. Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your application and the audit outcomes, but it’s wise to expect several weeks to a few months before you receive a decision.

Staying NDIS compliant

Hopefully if you’ve done everything correctly, you will receive a positive answer to your submission and your business will be registered officially as an NDIS provider.

However, the journey doesn’t end there. Now that you’re officially registered, you need to make sure that you remain compliant. Compliance is an ongoing responsibility that ensures participants receive safe, high-quality and ethical care. Staying compliant not only fulfils legal obligations but also strengthens your reputation and builds participant trust.

Some of the key obligations for NDIS providers include the following.

Following NDIS practice standards

Providers must continue to meet the NDIS Practice Standards, which outline requirements around participant rights, risk management, service delivery and governance. Regular internal reviews and external audits help ensure these standards are maintained.

Maintaining up-to-date insurances and registrations

All registered NDIS service providers must hold certain types of insurance as part of their NDIS audit requirements. This includes:

• Professional Indemnity insurance: Covers you for losses claimed by a third party and defence costs due to alleged or actual negligence in your professional services or advice.
• Public Liability insurance: Covers you if a third-party claim that your negligent business activities caused them injury or property damage.
• Personal Accident and Illness insurance: Provides a weekly income benefit following an accidental injury or illness once signed off from work by a medical practitioner for a set amount of time.

Reporting incidents and safeguarding participants

Providers have a duty to report serious incidents, complaints or breaches of participant safety to the NDIS Commission. Strong safeguarding policies (such as risk assessments and clear complaint procedures) protect both participants and staff.

Continuing professional development for staff

The disability sector is constantly evolving, and staff must keep their knowledge and skills up to date. Ongoing training in areas like first aid, behaviour support, and person-centred care ensures your team can deliver the highest standard of support.

Are you ready to start your NDIS business?

Starting an NDIS business offers both personal and professional rewards. It gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building a sustainable business in a growing sector.

That said, success requires careful planning and very strict compliance. From registration and audits to ongoing training and safeguarding, providers must stay committed to meeting NDIS standards for as long as their business is operating. But with dedication, preparation and a participant-first mindset, you can create an NDIS business that can help to make a positive impact in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

This information is general only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be relied upon as advice. As with any insurance, cover will be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions contained in the Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording. Target Market Determination can also be found on our website as well. © 2025 BizCover Pty Limited, all rights reserved. ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769