Between March and May 2019, eligible entities were given the opportunity to apply for funding to support their transition and readiness to provide services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Under the Boosting the Local Care Workforce – Transition Assistance Funding round, a maximum funding pool of up to $5,600,000 (ex GST) was available, with each business eligible to apply for a maximum $20,000 (ex GST).  Do the quick math and that’s up to 2,800 individual NDIS Providers who have successfully received this funding.  Admissions made by the Community Grants Hub indicate there was a much higher than expected response to this grant opportunity.

 The objectives of the Transition Assistance Funding were to assist organisations to:

1. attract, retain and optimise their workforce;
2. improve awareness of the opportunities and ability to enter/expand and collaborate in the disability sector; and
3. develop skills and capabilities required to effectively operate in a consumer-driven disability market.

In August 2019, successful entities have begun receiving advice of approved funding and Ernst & Young is carefully shelling out the cash to excited business owners.

While the Australian Government’s online grant resources have yet to publish the list of successful grant recipients (and it remains to be seen if this occurs, despite precedent for transparency), Professional Business Consultants are finding themselves in high demand to advise on the development of capability that addresses the areas for improvement identified in Providers’ Readiness Plans. 

How do Providers find the right business consultant?

While the amount of funding indicates a potential windfall for some business consultants, Providers need to ensure they are working with advisors who:

1. understand the ever-evolving landscape of the NDIS and can assist in the development of appropriately tailored strategies, policies and risk management frameworks; and
2. have experience advising those delivering services to vulnerable members of society and often with specific needs around culture and regional or remote localities.

Having successfully secured funding for our clients, KLR Communications is presently advising recipients of Transition Assistance Funding on their strategic business planning, development of policies and procedures to support growth strategies, critical assessment of service viability, and standard operating procedures.

For assistance addressing the areas of improvement in your Readiness Plan, NDIS Providers who have received this funding can contact us directly to discuss their needs, or even to have an informal chat if they are worried they aren’t receiving what they expected from their business consultant. We can also assist you to identify what future funding rounds your business may be eligible for, including applying for future rounds of Transition Assistance Funding, with the next due to open later this year.