Starting a Support Coordination business can be an exciting yet daunting journey. To help you navigate through this process, we've outlined seven essential steps to get you started on the right path.
Step 1. Register Your Business
Choosing the proper business structure is crucial. Whether you opt for a sole trader, partnership, or company, each has its benefits and requirements. Consider your business goals and resources when making this IMPORTANT decision.
- Sole Trader: Offers simplicity and control, but personal liability is a significant consideration. It's best for those starting small or testing the market.
- Partnership: Ideal for those with a trusted business partner, sharing profits, responsibilities, and risks. However, disputes can arise if agreements aren't clear.
- Handy Hint: It is always good to ensure that you have partnership agreements in place prior to the partnership.
- Company: Provides limited liability, protecting personal assets, but comes with higher regulatory and tax obligations. Suitable for businesses planning to scale or seeking investment.
Each structure has its advantages and compliance obligations, impacting your tax, liability, and control over the business. It's crucial to align your choice with your business goals, financial capacity, and risk tolerance. Consulting with a legal or financial advisor can provide tailored advice to ensure the best fit for your situation.
Step 2. Set Up Your Professional Email
A professional email address is your first line of communication with clients. Ensure it's simple, memorable, and reflects your business name. Utilising services like Google Suite can also provide you with valuable tools for managing your business communications.
Are you new to creating a professional email for your business? Dive into Astalty's comprehensive course designed to master the art of crafting your professional business email. At only $9.99, this course is meticulously structured to navigate you through the complexities, ensuring you emerge with a polished, professional email that reflects your business's identity and professionalism.
Click here to get your email properly set up today!
Step 3. Create a User-Friendly Website
Your website is the digital face of your business. It should be professional, easy to navigate, and include essential pages such as 'About Us', 'Contact Us' and a referral form that's accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Your 'About Us' page shouldn't just list your qualifications and services. Share your story, why you started your business, and what drives you to help others. Authenticity resonates with people, and many clients feel more comfortable knowing who they're working with.
Include a professional photo of yourself and your team. This adds a face to the name, making your brand more relatable and trustworthy.
Ensure your website includes a clear, accessible referral form. This not only streamlines the process for potential clients to connect with you but also demonstrates your commitment to accessibility and ease of use. It's an essential tool for growing your client base through direct referrals.
Step 4. Develop Policies and Procedures
Implementing strong policies and procedures is fundamental for a well-structured business. This includes a Code of Conduct, Participant Rights Policy and Privacy Policy, among others.
Handy Hint: The recent NDIS review has recommended that all NDIS providers are to become registered in the future. Preparing your policies and procedures in advance will not only ensure compliance but also position your business for success in the registration process.
Step 5. Prepare Essential Documents and Templates
Having the right documents in order, such as service agreements, risk assessments, and intake forms, is critical. These documents help safeguard both your business and your clients, ensuring clarity in service delivery.
Embark on your journey to becoming a standout Support Coordinator with Asalty's document packages. These well-crafted resources are your blueprint to success, providing you with the essential documents and templates needed to start your business operations. For a deeper dive and to start your transformation, click here to purchase a document package.
Step 6. Obtain the Necessary Insurance
Depending on your services, various insurances like professional indemnity, public liability, and worker's compensation are essential to protect your business and meet regulatory requirements.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: Protects against legal costs and claims for damages from an act, omission, or breach of professional duty in the course of your business. Essential for safeguarding against claims of negligence or malpractice.
- Public Liability Insurance: Covers injury or damage to third parties or their property. It's crucial for situations where a client or member of the public gets injured as a result of your business operations.
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Mandatory if you employ staff, covering injuries or illnesses employees might sustain at work. This insurance supports medical costs and lost wages for injured employees.
Step 7. Implement Best Practices
From using an accounts payable system (accounting software) to keeping service agreements up to date, establishing best practices early on can save time and money. Stay informed about NDIS pricing arrangements and legislative changes to ensure your business operates efficiently and compliantly.
Here are some other things to consider when implementing best practices.
Evaluate CRM Software
Incorporating a robust Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like Astalty can revolutionise how you manage client interactions, data, and service delivery. Assessing Astalty's capabilities against your specific needs through trials and demonstrations, ensures it aligns with your business model—especially crucial for Support Coordination services.
Early adoption of the right CRM prevents the complexities of changing systems as your business grows.
If you are specialising in Support Coordination, Astalty might be your ideal choice. Book a demonstration to explore its fit for your business needs.
Implement Defined Systems Early
Establishing well-defined systems for operations, including performance reviews and supervision, is fundamental. Leveraging resources like hiring guides can streamline your way to growing your team!
If you are interested in more resources to assist you in the Support Coordination hiring process, take a look at these resources, our hiring guide will walk you through the entire process. Click here for more information.
Stay informed
Lastly, stay informed, the NDIS is ever-changing so stay adaptable by subscribing to NDIS newsletters, keeping you at the forefront of industry developments.
For more information about getting registered and registration costs, check out this article.
