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.

Online Business Support & Coaching

Starting, growing, or refining a business can feel overwhelming—especially when navigating the added responsibilities of the NDIS, compliance frameworks, or delivering high-quality participant-focused services. Our Hourly Online Business Support & Coaching service connects you directly with experienced business owners who understand the realities of building and sustaining a values-driven enterprise.

Through flexible, one-on-one online sessions, we provide tailored guidance designed to strengthen your operational capability, enhance strategic decision-making, and support your long-term business development goals. Whether you’re seeking clarity on your next steps, troubleshooting specific challenges, or wanting to refine your business model, our mentors offer practical insights you can apply immediately.

What We Offer

  • Personalised coaching focused on your unique goals and business stage

  • Guidance from experienced business owners with real-world operational knowledge

  • Support with enterprise development, including structure, planning, and growth strategy

  • Problem-solving and decision-making support to help you confidently move forward

  • A flexible, online hourly support model to suit your schedule and NDIS budget

Through flexible, one-on-one online sessions, we provide tailored guidance designed to strengthen your operational capability, enhance strategic decision-making, and support your long-term business development goals. Whether you’re seeking clarity on your next steps, troubleshooting specific challenges, or wanting to refine your business model, our mentors offer practical insights you can apply immediately.

We are committed to empowering people with the knowledge, confidence, and tools needed to build sustainable, ethical, and purpose-driven enterprises. Every session is designed to be supportive, practical, and aligned with best practice.

This is Jodie's Story

Jodie has always loved animals and already ran a small pet sitting service in her community. With support from Good Company, she has been able to build her business further.

We worked with Jodie to create a website and redesign her logo and branding. Jodie is proud of the growth she has achieved and is excited about the opportunities ahead. We continue to work with Jodie developing her business resources to reach new clients, implement simple systems to manage bookings, and explore new ways to develop her online presence.

“Good Company Disability Services are awesome. They have done anything and everything to help me with my website, (which Josh has done an absolutely awesome job on) and also my social media accounts as well. They help me to come up with ideas to keep posting and I appreciate what they do for me. Thank you so much.”
 
Jodie

Visit Jodie's website

Pooch n' Pounce by Jodie

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.

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

Start your journey today!

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.”

Niko

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.

Microenterprise FAQ

Microenterprise support focuses on helping participants explore and develop small business or self-employment ideas. The emphasis is on building practical skills, confidence and understanding of what is involved in running a small business.

Microenterprise support may be suitable for participants who have a business idea, creative skill, trade or interest they would like to develop into a small income-generating activity. Supports are tailored to the individual’s goals, capacity and readiness.

No. Microenterprise support focuses on building skills, planning and confidence. It does not guarantee income or business outcomes. The goal is to strengthen the participant’s understanding of business processes and increase independence in decision-making.

Participants may explore small-scale ventures such as creative products, online services, local services, digital businesses or hobby-based enterprises. The suitability of an idea depends on the participant’s goals, strengths and support needs.

Yes. Support may include structured guidance to outline goals, identify potential customers, consider pricing and understand basic planning steps. The focus is on helping the participant understand the process rather than completing documents on their behalf.

Support may include basic discussions about pricing, budgeting and understanding expenses. Participants may be encouraged to seek independent financial or legal advice where specialised expertise is required.

Yes. Participants can explore digital business ideas, including online services or product sales. Support may include building digital skills, understanding online platforms and developing professional communication skills.

Microenterprise support is typically aligned with Capacity Building funding, particularly supports related to finding and keeping a job. Participants should confirm funding alignment with their support coordinator or plan manager.

Yes. Supports are based on the participant’s goals, interests, strengths and support needs. The approach is collaborative and paced appropriately to build confidence and practical understanding over time.

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