How to Get Started as an NDIS Sole Trader in Victoria

Working as an NDIS sole trader in Victoria can be a flexible and rewarding way to support people with disability while running your own small business.

This guide walks through the basics of getting set up and, most importantly, how to find clients, including how to use MyCareSpace effectively.

1. What Is an NDIS Sole Trader?

An NDIS sole trader is an individual who runs their own business (using an Australian Business Number) and provides supports directly to NDIS participants. You can work:

• In clients’ homes
• Out in the community
• Online, for some types of capacity building supports

You are responsible for your own business setup, pricing, scheduling, insurances and taxes, but you also have full control over your availability and who you work with.

2. Do You Need to Register as an NDIS Provider?

Whether you need to register with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission depends on who you want to work with and what supports you want to offer.

2.1 When Registration Is Not Required

You generally do not need to register if you:

• Only work with self-managed or plan-managed participants, and
• Provide lower-risk supports such as daily living assistance, community access, cleaning, gardening, mentoring or social support.

2.2 When Registration Is Required

You generally must register if you:

• Want to work with NDIA-managed participants, or
• Provide higher-risk or regulated supports such as behaviour support, restrictive practices, or certain types of accommodation supports.

Even as an unregistered provider, you must still follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and other legal obligations, including privacy and safety requirements.

3. Setting Yourself Up as a Sole Trader in Victoria

3.1 Choose Your Services and Target Clients

Start by deciding exactly what you will offer. For example:

• Community access and social support
• Assistance with daily living and routines
• Transport to activities and appointments
• Skill building, mentoring or study support

Be clear about what you do and do not offer. This makes it much easier for plan managers, support coordinators and families to match you with the right participants.

3.2 Register for an ABN and Business Name

• Apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Optionally register a business name if you do not want to trade under your personal name.

3.3 Complete the Required Checks

As an NDIS sole trader in Victoria, you will usually need:

• NDIS Worker Screening Check
• Working With Children Check (if working with children)
• Police check (recommended or required for some roles)

3.4 Arrange Insurance

Common policies to consider include:

• Public liability insurance
• Professional indemnity insurance (depending on your supports)
• Personal accident or income protection (optional but often wise)

4. How to Find Your First NDIS Clients

Once your business structure, checks and insurance are in place, the focus shifts to finding clients. The most effective strategies for sole traders are:

1. Working with plan managers
2. Responding to posts in relevant Facebook groups
3. Building relationships with support coordinators
4. Creating a strong profile on platforms such as MyCareSpace

4.1 Plan Managers

Plan managers pay invoices on behalf of plan-managed participants and are often asked to recommend support workers. They can become a strong referral source.

Practical steps:

• Create a simple one-page profile outlining who you are, what you offer, and where you work.
• Email local plan management providers and introduce yourself.
• Offer to send your profile and confirm your checks and insurance.

4.2 Facebook Groups

There are many Victorian and Melbourne-based NDIS groups where families and carers regularly ask for support workers in specific suburbs.

To use these effectively:

• Join relevant NDIS and disability support groups.
• Watch for posts seeking support in your area and respond professionally.
• Follow up with a private message introducing yourself and your services.

4.3 Support Coordinators

Support coordinators help participants implement their plans and are continually looking for reliable providers. Building strong relationships with local coordinators can lead to ongoing referrals.

You can:

• Email coordinators and introduce your services, availability and coverage area.
• Respond promptly to any referrals they send you.
• Provide clear feedback and documentation so they trust you with future clients.

5. Using MyCareSpace to Find NDIS Clients

MyCareSpace is a national online directory and referral platform for NDIS participants, families, support coordinators and providers. It can be a powerful way for an NDIS sole trader to be discovered by people actively looking for support.

5.1 What MyCareSpace Offers

• An online directory where participants and coordinators can search for providers in their area.
• Referral matching, where MyCareSpace staff connect participants to suitable providers.
• A way to showcase your services, experience, locations and availability in one place.

5.2 Setting Up a Strong MyCareSpace Profile

To make the most of MyCareSpace, create a profile that is clear, warm and professional. Include:

• Your name or business name and a friendly, professional photo.
• Suburbs and regions you service in Victoria.
• Types of supports you offer (for example: community access, daily living support, mentoring, transport).
• Your experience with disability, mental health, behaviour support or specific age groups.
• Your checks (NDIS Worker Screening, Working With Children Check, police check).
• Your insurance cover and whether you work with self-managed and plan-managed participants.

Write your bio in a personal tone so families and coordinators can get a sense of who you are and how you work. For example:

I support young adults to build confidence and independence through community access, routine building and social engagement. I am reliable, calm and patient, and I focus on creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone I work with.

5.3 Responding to MyCareSpace Referrals

MyCareSpace may send you referrals by email, phone, or direct messages from support coordinators. To convert these into clients:

• Reply as quickly as you can. Fast responses significantly increase your chances of being chosen.
• Confirm your availability, hourly rate and what you can help with.
• Offer a short introductory call to check that you are a good fit for the participant.

Over time, as you respond consistently and provide good support, coordinators and families may return to you directly for additional support or referrals.

6. Simple Next Steps Checklist

You can use this checklist as a starting point for setting up as an NDIS sole trader in Victoria and beginning to find clients:

1. Decide what supports you will offer and who you want to work with.
2. Apply for an ABN and, if desired, a business name.
3. Complete your NDIS Worker Screening Check and other required checks in Victoria.
4. Arrange public liability and other relevant insurance.
5. Create a short one-page profile outlining your services and experience.
6. Contact plan managers and support coordinators in your area.
7. Join relevant NDIS and disability support Facebook groups and respond to suitable posts.
8. Set up a detailed, professional profile on MyCareSpace and keep your availability updated.
9. Respond promptly and professionally to all referrals and enquiries.

With consistent effort on these steps, most sole traders begin to build a stable client base and can grow their business at a pace that suits them.