We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: the NDIS is incredible…once you’ve figured out the jargon and navigated certain hurdles such as finding the right provider and ensuring your plan reflects your needs appropriately (i.e. has the right funding!)
Another hurdle faced by many with a disability is finding work that suits their needs, skills and interests. Not every business is set-up for equal accessibility – an issue that’s unfortunately ongoing – so sometimes we have to think outside of the box.
That’s where micro enterprises come in, but how do we even begin to start one? And how can we utilise our NDIS funding to facilitate our entrepreneurial dreams?
Let’s break it down.
What is a micro enterprise?
A micro enterprise is what it says on the tin, effectively. Micro being small, and enterprise being business so it’s a small business that’s relatively simple and affordable to set up. When created in collaboration with the NDIS, they are owned and run by one person.
You can create a micro enterprise based on your interests, passions and hobbies. Think big. If you’re heading into work each day – or however often you can manage – you want to arrive to something that you enjoy.
What’s so good about micro enterprises?
Starting a micro enterprise can give you the flexibility and control that you’ve always wanted. Something that working in a big corporation would struggle to give you.
It allows you to:
- Think about how much money you want to make (as this will help guide you in your business venture)
- Think about what sort of work you would be happy doing
- How often you work
- Where you want to work
- When you want to work (any 5am risers out there?)
There have been many positive outcomes from people setting up micro enterprises. Having control and a choice over the type of work you do can help boost your confidence, create an increased sense of purpose and build a bigger social network.
What type of businesses can you set up?
All businesses start small, so although the term micro enterprise is used, don’t be scared to think big.
Following your passions and interests will be the best guide for setting up a business. If you’re into shoes, why not sell shoes? Or make shoes? What about, ice cream (who doesn’t love ice cream)? Think of setting up an ice cream bar from your kitchen; with a small amount of equipment you’ll have people knocking down your door. Especially in the sweltering Kimberley.
Other ideas could include:
- Car washing
- Gardening
- Sewing
- Creating and selling artwork
- Jewellery making
- Cleaning
- Snack bar
- Juices
How can an NDIS Plan help facilitate your dreams of being a business owner?
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can help support you to set up your micro enterprise by funding supports to:
- Take time to think about your skills and interests. Speaking to a support worker to explore this can be truly beneficial.
- Work on business skills such as public speaking through a community group
- Setting up your business
- Running your business
- Support ongoing help that you might need for your business (i.e. support workers)
And don’t forget, you can use your informal supports – friends, family and members of the community – to help run your business. They might just ask for a discount…
For NDIS employment support, specifically for a micro enterprise, you need to make sure your NDIS goals state your keen interest in having a job, or having your own business. For example: I want to find meaningful employment doing something I love.
Customised employment involves a discovery stage, where you find out what type of work would match your skills and experience, then you have the job creation stage. This can involve finding you a job or creating your own small business (micro enterprise).
Next steps
The main thing is to figure out what type of work you want to do. You don’t have to set up your own micro enterprise if you feel there’s a job out there for you already – you just might need to use your NDIS funding to ensure you can work in this job safely i.e. have assistive technology or support worker hours to assist you during your shifts.
If you want to enter the world of employment, ask for the support you need in your NDIS Plan at your next planning meeting.
You’ll be the next Steve Jobs in no time, except maybe without the black turtleneck and blue jeans.
If you’d like to know more about how Kimberley Care Group can support you with your employment goals, then reach out today.
References:
https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/disability-and-the-workplace/
https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/5996-micro-enterprise-meaningful-employment-alternative