How to Start Your Own NDIS Business: A Quick Guide

Starting your own NDIS business can be a fulfilling and financially sustainable venture. It allows you to make a real difference in people’s lives while growing a purpose-driven organisation. 

However, building a successful NDIS business involves more than good intentions. You must understand how to apply for NDIS provider registration, meet compliance requirements, go through NDIS audits, and manage ongoing business responsibilities.

A Complete Guide for 2025

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about starting an NDIS business in 2025 — with expert input from experienced NDIS consultants at Posity Online.

Understanding the NDIS: What You’re Signing Up For

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to support Australians with a permanent and significant disability. Providers in the scheme deliver essential supports ranging from personal care and transport to complex therapeutic services and accommodation.

To deliver services under the NDIS, you’ll need to register as a provider. This registration process ensures that only safe, capable, and compliant businesses work with vulnerable participants.

NDIS business registration isn’t just a formality. It’s a serious commitment to quality, governed by rules, audits, and the NDIS Practice Standards. Working with an experienced NDIS consultant can simplify the entire process — especially when you're just starting.

Step 1: Learn About the NDIS Registration Framework

Before jumping in, it’s important to understand the registration structure.

If you’re wondering how to apply for NDIS provider status, your first stop is learning the rules. The NDIS Practice Standards outline the responsibilities for registered providers and cover topics such as governance, participant safety, and service delivery.

The NDIS Code of Conduct also sets the behaviour expectations for staff and workers in the scheme. Complying with this code is a non-negotiable requirement for providers and employees.

Whether you're an individual sole trader or a company, you must decide what registration group your services fall under. There are over 36 different registration groups, ranging from:

• Support Coordination
  
• Daily Living Assistance
  
• Therapeutic Supports
  
• Community Participation
  
• SIL Services and Supported Accommodation
  
• Disability-related Equipment or Products
  
  

Each registration group comes with different audit and compliance expectations, so selecting your group carefully from the beginning will help streamline your registration.

Step 2: Choose Your Services and Business Model

Once you understand the structure, you’ll need to decide which services your NDIS business will offer. This decision affects the type of audit you'll undergo, your registration requirements, and the types of participants you can support.

Some services are considered higher-risk and therefore require a more in-depth certification audit. For example, personal care or accommodation services fall into this category.

Low-risk services, such as plan management or assistive technology, typically only require a verification audit. If you're unsure where your service fits, a gap analysis conducted by an NDIS consultant can help identify your business's current status against the registration standards.

Step 3: Register with the NDIS Commission

When you’re ready, you’ll submit your application through the NDIS Commission Portal.

During this stage, you’ll:

• Fill out key business information
  
• Identify the services you plan to offer
  
• Complete a self-assessment aligned with the Practice Standards
  
• Upload required documents (policies, procedures, insurance details)
  
  

This application process can be complex and time-consuming. Many new businesses make the mistake of rushing through it or submitting incomplete documentation — which causes delays or outright rejections. Using NDIS policy and procedures templates tailored to your registration groups can save you time and prevent errors.

Step 4: Undergo an NDIS Audit

Every business registering under the NDIS must go through an audit. There are two audit types:

• Verification Audit:
  For lower-risk providers (e.g., plan managers, therapy providers)
  
  
• Certification Audit:
  For higher-risk services (e.g., SIL, high-intensity personal care)
  
  

Audits are conducted by NDIS approved quality auditors. These third-party auditors will examine your documentation and visit your business (if required) to assess how your operations meet the Practice Standards.

To prepare for this, you’ll need to conduct internal compliance checks. A qualified NDIS internal auditor can help you perform a detailed internal review so you’re audit-ready. The goal is to identify any risks or compliance issues early and fix them before facing an official auditor.

If you or your staff are new to compliance, consider NDIS auditor training to boost internal knowledge and build long-term capacity.

Step 5: Build Operational Foundations

With your application submitted and audit preparations underway, it’s time to focus on the business side. You’ll need to develop a solid set of operational policies and workflows to ensure ongoing success.

Key areas to cover include:

• Incident reporting
  
• Complaints handling
  
• Risk management
  
• Participant safety
  
• Human resource management
  
• Continuous improvement strategies
  
  

Don’t underestimate the importance of risk management systems. These are essential not only for compliance but also for creating a safe environment for both participants and staff.

Step 6: Hire and Train Your Team

A strong team is the heart of any successful NDIS business. Depending on your service type, you may need workers with specific qualifications, background checks, or lived experience.

All employees must meet NDIS worker screening requirements, which include criminal history checks and working with vulnerable people clearances.

You should also invest in ongoing training for your team — especially in compliance topics, customer service, and disability rights. Over time, you may want to develop internal staff into trained NDIS internal auditors to help with ongoing quality assurance.

Step 7: Marketing Your NDIS Business

With your systems in place, it's time to let participants know you exist. Building your reputation will take time, but a strong digital presence helps you grow faster.

Start with a professional website that clearly explains your services, areas of operation, and contact details. Use search engine optimisation (SEO) to improve your visibility on Google, especially for NDIS-related search terms in your area.

Social media can also be a powerful tool. Facebook groups, LinkedIn networking, and targeted Google Ads can help spread the word and attract referrals. Networking with Local Area Coordinators (LACs), plan managers, and support coordinators is also vital to build trust and secure participant referrals.

Step 8: Stay Compliant Long-Term

Once you’re approved, the work doesn’t stop. Registered providers are expected to maintain high standards over time. This includes:

• Keeping up with changes to the NDIS Practice Standards
  
• Performing regular internal audits
  
• Updating policies and documentation
  
• Providing staff with refresher training
  
• Managing incidents and feedback appropriately
  
  

You’ll also need to go through registration renewal every three years, which includes another audit. This is where regular gap analysis becomes important to stay ahead of any compliance issues.

NDIS Business Registration Costs

While there’s no government fee to apply, costs will depend on your business size and audit requirements. Certification audits can range from $1,500 to over $20,000 depending on your services and locations.

Other costs include policy writing, staff training, internal systems, and ongoing consulting. If you're looking for support, Posity Online offers registration packages for both new and renewing providers.

Need Help Getting Started? We’ve Got You Covered

If all of this seems overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many new providers struggle with the rules, application steps, and audit process. That’s why Posity Online offers tailored support to help you start your NDIS business with confidence.

Whether you need help with documentation, internal audits, staff training, or a full business coaching package, we’re here to help. You can even start by reading our full Pro Bono Australia guide here.

Ready to begin your NDIS journey? Contact Posity Online today for personalised guidance and support.