How to write a NDIS

Business Plan

Executive Summary

An NDIS business plan is for businesses or organisations that want to provide services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). 

A business plan for the NDIS is specific because it has to address certain elements important to the NDIS. This includes regulatory requirements and standards set forth by the NDIS. 

But, as with any business plan, you start with an executive summary. 

Even though this part seems easy enough, it has the power to influence the readers from the start. 

Your NDIS business plan executive summary should include:

1. An introduction
2. A quick business overview
3. An explanation of the services you offer
4. Your goals and objectives
5. A market analysis overview
6. Your financial summary

Make sure to only touch on each of these topics. There is no need to go into details yet. You will have time for that later. 

Here's what a good introduction can look like:

CarePlus Support Services is a Melbourne-based provider dedicated to improving the lives of those with disabilities. We plan to achieve this by offering high-quality, personalised support services under the NDIS framework. Our services cater to adults and children with physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Remember to stick to one page when writing your executive summary. 

Business Description

In this next section, you will explain what your business is and what it offers.

This section sets the foundation for the rest of your business plan. It explains who you are, what you do, and why you do it. 

Start by explaining what your business does. 

Businesses that might need an NDIS business plan include:

• NDIS providers
• Support coordination agencies
• Therapy services
• Daily living support services
• Community participation programs 
• Assistive technology providers

It's important to explain what type of business you own. For instance, sole trader, partnership, company, etc. 

Since you want to work with the NDIS, you must devote a section to registration details. This includes your NDIS registration status and number.

This is also a great opportunity to provide background information. Explain the history of the business, why it was started, and its journey so far.

You can also include key milestones. These refer to key achievements and developments since your business started.

Another important section is your business goals, including your:

1. Short-term goals (6 months to 1 year)
2. Medium-term goals (1-2 years)
3. Long-term goals (3-5 years)

You can present your business goals like this:

Market Analysis

Writing a market analysis section for your NDIS business plan involves understanding your:

• Industry
• Target market
• Competitors
• Market needs
• SWOT analysis

When it comes to industry analysis, you're technically analysing the NDIS sector. You can talk about the increasing need for disability services and support. 

Your target market is people who receive support through the NDIS. These can be both children and adults with disabilities. 

The NDIS provides services for people with disabilities under the age of 65. They also have a special program for children, called the early intervention program.

Competitor analysis is another important part of your NDIS business plan.

These could be NDIS service providers that operate in the same area as your location. 

Devote a section to your market needs. For instance, current support needs, the growing need for personalised care, technology, and similar. 

You can also add a SWOT analysis. This refers to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Here's an example of a SWOT analysis:

1. Strengths: Highly qualified staff, personalised care, innovative use of technology.
2. Weaknesses: New to the market, limited brand recognition.
3. Opportunities: Growing market, potential to expand services.
4. Threats: High competition, changing regulations.

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Organisation and Management

The organisation and management section of your NDIS business plan involves detailing the structure of your business, the team, and how it operates. 

First, describe the organisational structure. 

You can provide an organisational chart showing the hierarchy and relationships between different roles.

Next, describe the management team. List key management team members and their roles. Include brief biographies highlighting their experience and qualifications.

Include a staffing plan. Outline the roles and responsibilities of all staff members.

You can also talk about your recruitment, training, and retention strategies.

Products or Services

As an NDIS provider, you should talk about the services you will provide to NDIS recipients.

These are some points to focus on:

• Description of services
• Service delivery model
• Quality assurance and compliance

Briefly introduce the range of services your business provides. Mention the benefits and features of each service.

An NDIS business plan should show that the services you offer are in line with NDIS requirements and pricing.

This applies to service provision for NDIS providers. Your plan should outline how your business will provide support and services to NDIS participants.

Describe the measures in place to make sure high-quality services are delivered. Mention any relevant standards or regulations you comply with.

Here's an example of a service description for support coordination:

Description: Our support coordinators assist clients in understanding and implementing their NDIS plans. They connect clients with service providers, monitor progress, and help achieve goals.

Benefits: Personalised guidance, improved access to services, and continuous support.

Here's an example of a service description for assistive technology:

Description: We supply and train clients in using assistive devices and technology, such as mobility aids, communication tools, and adaptive equipment.

Benefits: Improved functionality, greater independence, and ease of daily activities.

Marketing and Sales Strategies

In this section, you should talk about your plans for reaching and engaging with potential clients. 

Your target clients will be NDIS participants.

Important sections include:

1. Marketing strategies
2. Brand positioning
3. Marketing channels
4. Promotional activities
5. Client acquisition and retention
6. Marketing budget

Start with your marketing strategies. This includes different types of marketing. For instance, digital marketing, email marketing, social media marketing, PR, etc.

Make sure to mention both offline and online marketing strategies. Also, list the platforms and methods you will use to reach your target market.

When it comes to brand positioning, it's important to explain how you want to be perceived in the market.

For example:

CarePlus Support Services aims to be known for its compassionate, high-quality, and personalised care. Our brand will be associated with trust, reliability, and client-centered services.

Describe specific campaigns, events, or promotions you will run. This can include open houses, workshops, seminars, referral programs, etc. 

Name your strategies for finding new clients, as well as how you plan to keep them.

Finally, talk about your marketing budget. Break it down for different marketing activities.

This also applies to your return on investment (ROI). Explain how you will measure the success of your marketing efforts.

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Operations Plan 

In this part of your business plan, you will talk about how your business will operate on a daily basis. 

This includes the processes, resources, and strategies you will use to deliver services effectively. 

Key points of an operations plan for an NDIS business plan include:

• Operations overview
• Service delivery
• Staffing and management
• Facilities and equipment
• Technology and systems
• Compliance with regulatory requirements
• Quality assurance
• Risk management

Briefly describe the daily operations of your business.

This section depends on the type of NDIS business you are running. This also includes processes that support the business. 

If your business operates in a physical location, talk about the facilities and equipment needed to deliver services. Include any special requirements or adaptations for accessibility.

Describe the technology and systems used to manage operations. This is especially important for businesses providing assistive technology for NDIS providers. 

Include information on client management systems, scheduling, and communication tools.

When writing a business plan for the NDIS, you need to include compliance and quality strategies. 

To be more specific, strategies for maintaining compliance with NDIS regulations and delivering high-quality services.

Quality assurance is another important part of your NDIS business plan. Include measures for maintaining and improving service quality to meet NDIS standards.

Risk Management 

When it comes to NDIS business plans, there should be a great focus on risk management, especially in terms of staffing and operations.

This involves identifying potential risks that could impact your NDIS business. It also includes outlining strategies to manage or mitigate these risks. 

Potential risks can include:

• Operational risks: Service delivery failures or delays.
• Staffing risks: Staff shortages, inadequate training, or poor care provision.
• Financial risks: Cash flow issues, funding cuts, or budget overruns.
• Regulatory risks: Changes in NDIS policies or non-compliance with regulations.
• Reputational risks: Negative feedback from clients or public perception issues.

It's important to understand how these risks directly impact the ability to provide quality care to people with disabilities.

For each of these potential risks, you should define a mitigation strategy. 

To prevent operational risks, you can introduce staff training programs, create contingency plans, or diversify service offerings.

To prevent regulatory risks, you can stay informed on NDIS policy changes. You can also maintain strict compliance protocols and talk to legal experts. 

Discuss any contingency plans you have in place for high-impact risks.

This could include disaster recovery plans, business continuity plans, or specific actions to take if a key risk happens.

Financial Plan

NDIS funding models and pricing arrangements differ from those in other sectors. That's why you need to pay special attention to how you will write this part of your business plan. 

The most important elements of a financial plan are financial projections, funding needs, and strategies for financial management. 

Here's what to focus on: 

1. Startup costs
2. Revenue projections
3. Expense projections
4. Profit and loss statement
5. Cash flow statement
6. Break-even analysis
7. Funding requirements 

To begin, list all initial expenses required to start your business.

When it comes to revenue projections, provide detailed forecasts for the next three to five years.

Do the same for expense projections. Outline all expected operating expenses, both fixed and variable.

For your profit and loss statement, make sure to write about the expected profits and losses over the next three to five years.

The same goes for your cash flow statement. Detail the expected cash inflows and outflows, showing how cash will be managed.

Include a break-even analysis. Here, you will want to calculate the point at which your business will become profitable.

The funding requirements section is optional. But if the goal of your business plan is to get funding, we highly recommend it. 

Here's an example of a funding requirements table.

Specify any funding needed to start or expand your business. Don't forget to include potential sources of funding and how funds will be used.

Conclusion

The conclusion is where you will summarise your main points. Just like your executive summary, this section shouldn't be too long.

Provide a final compelling argument for why your business will be successful. 

The conclusion should leave a positive impression and encourage potential investors, partners, or stakeholders to support your business. 

You can use this section to:

• Recap key points
• Highlight strengths and opportunities
• Describe future milestones
• Add a call to action

Briefly summarise the main sections of your business plan. For example, services, market analysis, operations, and financials.

Bring attention to what sets your business apart and the unique opportunities it presents.

You can also add a section on future milestones, which you can present like this:

Encourage the reader to take the next step, whether it's investing, partnering, or supporting your business.

The call to action is very important if you're seeking funding. 

Appendix

The appendix is also optional. But if you have supporting documents you would like to attach, here's where you can do it.

Supporting documents for an NDIS business plan can include:

• Resumes of key management
• Registration of legal documents
• Market research data
• Financial statements and projections
• Marketing materials
• Policy procedure documents
• Partnership agreements and letters of intent
• Insurance policies

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