MicroEnterprise
Empowering NDIS Participants Through Microenterprise
At Good Company Disability Services, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to contribute to their community and earn an income in a way that aligns with their strengths, passions, and vision. Through our Microenterprise Development Program, we support NDIS participants to explore self-employment and create small businesses that are sustainable, meaningful, and truly theirs.
Whether you’re a creative artist, a problem-solver, a dog lover, a baker, a mechanic—or someone still figuring that out—we’ll walk alongside you as you build a business around what you love.
Your Idea Matters. Your Dream Is Possible.
What is a Microenterprise?
A microenterprise is a small-scale, usually sole-operator business with low start-up costs and flexible operations. It’s ideal for people with disability who want to:
Earn their own income
Work on their own terms
Showcase talents and build confidence
Engage with their local community
Experience the satisfaction of independence
Microenterprises come in all forms—craft stalls, dog-washing services, YouTube channels, home baking, gardening, social media management, handmade jewellery, and much more. At Good Company Disability Services, we support NDIS participants in Melbourne and Perth to explore, establish, and grow their own microenterprises. Our person-centered approach ensures that each business venture is tailored to the individual’s goals, skills, and support needs.
Real Microenterprise Examples
Here are just a few examples of existing Microenterprise types:
Business Type
Handmade Products |
Pet Services |
Social Media Content Creation |
Food and Hospitality |
Outdoor and Garden Services |
Tech and Online Services |
Community-Based Services |
Description
Soaps, candles, art, woodwork, jewellery |
Dog walking, pet treats, pet sitting |
YouTube, TikTok, Instagram micro-businesses |
Home-baked goods, catering, mobile coffee |
Lawn mowing, veggie growing, flower sales |
Web design, digital art, podcasting |
Letterbox drops, errands, peer mentoring |
Every microenterprise is unique—just like the person behind it.
“Success isn’t always about making money. It’s about creating something that gives you purpose, connection, and pride in what you do.”
Build a Business That Works for You
⚖️ Weighing the Benefit against the Cost
Starting a microenterprise is an exciting step—but it’s natural to wonder whether the effort and investment are worth it. At Good Company, we help participants weigh the benefits against the potential costs in a supportive and informed way.
✅ The Benefits
Personal Fulfilment – Doing meaningful work that aligns with your passions can build confidence, purpose, and identity.
Increased Independence – Running your own business allows you to make decisions, manage your time, and take charge of your goals.
Flexible Income Opportunities – Microenterprises can generate income in ways that suit your lifestyle and capacity.
Skills Development – Learn real-world skills such as budgeting, communication, customer service, and problem-solving.
Community Inclusion – Engaging with customers and suppliers can grow social networks and community connections.
💰 The Costs (and how we help minimise them)
Time and Energy – Starting a business takes commitment. We help you plan at a pace that works for you.
Financial Costs – Most microenterprises begin with low-cost, low-risk strategies. We guide you to test small before you invest more.
Administrative Tasks – Registrations, insurance, and record-keeping can be new. We simplify the process step by step.
Uncertainty – Not all businesses succeed right away. That’s why we focus on learning, adapting, and building resilience.
Our Focus: Low-Risk, High-Value
At Good Company, our approach is to start small, stay supported, and scale slowly. That means:
Helping you explore and trial ideas before investing heavily
Encouraging use of existing resources and natural supports
Offering ongoing mentoring to adjust your path as needed
Your microenterprise doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful. We’re here to help you get the most benefit—with minimal risk.
How We Support Your Microenterprise Journey
Minimised Risk
We prioritise no and low-cost methods to minimise your risk and increase your returns.
Experience
Leverage the team’s experience with direct guidance and support from business owners as you work with your Mentor.
Transparency
Be equipped with information and resources to set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your small business.
Tailored Approach
Whether you’re just starting out with a small business idea, or you have an established business, guidance is personalised to the stage in your journey.
Turning Ideas Into Opportunities
1. Discover Your Strengths
We start with getting to know you. What excites you? What skills or hobbies do you already have? What kind of support do you need?
Our discovery sessions are relaxed and inclusive, with a strong focus on building a business idea around who you are—not just what’s profitable.
2. Explore Business Ideas
We help you explore business options based on your strengths, interests, and available resources. Together, we develop a shortlist of ideas that match your goals and lifestyle.
3. Feasibility and Planning
Is the idea realistic, accessible, and marketable? We guide you through simple planning steps:
Product or service development
Pricing and costing
Branding and marketing
Legal and safety considerations
Equipment or training you might need
4. Start Small and Grow Slowly
We believe in testing ideas with low cost and low risk. This could mean starting with a single product or a pop-up stall before expanding.
5. Ongoing Mentoring and Support
Our experienced mentors and business coaches continue supporting you after launch with:
Regular check-ins
Skills development
Marketing assistance
Troubleshooting challenges
Celebrating milestones!
This is Niko's Story
Niko, an NDIS participant passionate about sailing, collaborated with Good Company to develop his microenterprise specialising in high-quality sailing equipment and accessories. Through personalized mentoring and support, Niko streamlined his business processes, accommodated his disability, and achieved strategic growth.
“With guidance from Good Company’s team, I am making good progress on structuring my business to thrive whilst accommodating my disability.”
Our Approach to Microenterprise For Disabled Persons
Learn at your own pace and be guided through each stage of the micro enterprise framework. At each stage, your mentor will ensure that you are equipped with the right information, tools and resources to inform your decisions. You’ll benefit from the knowledge and experience of real business owners in a team-based approach – giving you the best possible chance at success!
Discovery
1. Discover Your Strengths and Explore Business Ideas
We start with getting to know you. What excites you? What skills or hobbies do you already have? What kind of support do you need? Our discovery sessions are relaxed and inclusive, with a strong focus on building a business idea around who you are—not just what’s profitable.
We help you explore business options based on your strengths, interests, and available resources. Together, we develop a shortlist of ideas that match your goals and lifestyle.
Feasibility & Planning
2. Feasibility and Planning
Is the idea realistic, accessible, and marketable? We guide you through simple planning steps:
Product or service development
Pricing and costing
Branding and marketing
Legal and safety considerations
Equipment or training you might need
Start Small and Grow Slowly
3. Start Small and Grow Slowly
We believe in testing ideas with low cost and low risk. This could mean starting with a single product or a pop-up stall before expanding.
Development
4. Ongoing Mentoring and Support
Our experienced mentors and business coaches continue supporting you after launch with:
Regular check-ins
Skills development
Marketing assistance
Troubleshooting challenges
Celebrating milestones!
Free Resource
Download your copy of the Good Company Micro Enterprise Handbook.
Our refined, easy-to-read guide outlines powerful tools, resources and processes that have helped many business owners to establish and grow their businesses.
NDIS Funding for Microenterprise Support
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises microenterprise as a valid and rewarding pathway to employment. Participants can utilise their NDIS funding to access supports that assist in:
Exploring business ideas and interests
Developing business and marketing plans
Acquiring necessary skills and training
Purchasing equipment or assistive technology
Receiving ongoing mentorship and support
Good Company’s Microenterprise Support is fundable under the NDIS, especially within the following categories:
Capacity Building: Increased Social and Community Participation
Core: Assistance with Social and Community Participation
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) – if you’re aged 15–22
Finding and Keeping a Job – for longer-term self-employment support
We work closely with participants, families, and support coordinators to align mentoring and supports with NDIS goals and budgets. For more information on how NDIS funding can support your microenterprise, you can speak with your Support Coordinator or refer to the NDIS guidelines on employment supports.
Not sure what’s in your plan? We’ll help you navigate it with confidence.
Please note: The line items referenced above are accurate according to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits in effect at the time of publication. However, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) may update or modify line items or pricing structures at any time. This is intended for informational purposes only and we recommend confirming current pricing arrangements with your support coordinator or plan manager.
One plan, one step, one win at a time.
Why Choose Good Company for Microenterprise Support?
Personalised Mentorship: Our mentors are experienced business owners who provide tailored guidance based on your unique needs and goals.
Risk Minimisation: We focus on low-cost strategies to reduce financial risk and enhance the sustainability of your business.
Transparent Processes: We equip you with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions throughout your business journey.
Flexible Support: Whether you’re at the idea stage or looking to expand an existing business, our support adapts to your current phase.