Yes, an NDIS support coordinator can absolutely operate as a sole trader in Australia — and many do. But before diving in, it’s worth understanding what this means in practice: the freedoms, the responsibilities, and the subtle behavioural dynamics that can make or break your solo venture in the disability support space.

Let’s break it down.

Can I be a sole trader and work as an NDIS support coordinator?

Yes. The NDIS allows sole traders to register and deliver support coordination services — provided you meet the necessary registration, compliance, and quality assurance requirements.

The key requirements for a sole trader include:

• An ABN (Australian Business Number)

• Appropriate qualifications and experience

• Meeting NDIS Practice Standards for support coordination

• Insurance (Public Liability & Professional Indemnity)

• Working With Children Check / NDIS Worker Screening Check

• Adherence to the NDIS Code of Conduct

You can also choose to operate unregistered and still work with self-managed or plan-managed participants, which is common for new sole traders testing the waters.

What qualifications do I need to become an NDIS support coordinator?

Support coordination isn’t regulated in the same way as clinical professions, but to be taken seriously — and to gain referrals — you’ll need:

• A background in social work, psychology, community services, or related fields

• At least 2 years’ experience working with people with disability or complex needs

• Strong knowledge of the NDIS structure, funding categories, and service ecosystems

Authority matters here. If you’re running solo, people need a reason to trust you. Qualifications and experience act as mental shortcuts (Cialdini’s Authority principle) for trust.

Why do many support coordinators choose to be sole traders?

Freedom and flexibility are the big drawcards.

As a sole trader, you can:

• Choose your own clients

• Set your own rates

• Decide your working hours

• Operate from anywhere

• Build long-term relationships without bureaucratic interference

It also creates a strong sense of ownership. You’re not just delivering services; you’re building a reputation. That sense of Commitment & Consistency (another Cialdini principle) can drive better service outcomes.

What are the risks of being a sole trader in the NDIS space?

Going solo means you’re exposed.

• No built-in admin support — you’ll be invoicing, following up payments, marketing yourself, and managing risk

• Burnout risk — with no team, everything falls on your shoulders

• Reputation sensitivity — a single mistake can impact your standing, especially in smaller communities

Behaviourally, you’re also fighting status quo bias: most participants prefer sticking with known providers unless you offer something truly compelling.

Do NDIS participants trust sole traders?

More than you might think.

In fact, many participants prefer working with one trusted individual over large agencies where support coordinators change frequently.

The key is social proof.

• Referrals from local therapists, support workers, or existing clients

• Positive word-of-mouth in online NDIS Facebook groups

• Local visibility — attending expos or community events

Once people see you’re showing up consistently and doing good work, the trust builds quickly.

How do I attract clients as a solo NDIS support coordinator?

You won’t have a marketing team — but you will have behavioural science on your side.

Here are nudges that work:

• Framing your services around outcomes (“Helping you take control of your NDIS plan” instead of “Support Coordination”)

• Use ease of action: make it ridiculously simple for someone to contact you (e.g., Calendly links, “book a call” buttons)

• Highlight availability (scarcity bias) if your caseload is nearly full

• Include testimonials from previous participants, with their permission

• Position yourself as local and trusted (e.g., “Based in the Northern Rivers”)

Also, register with online directories like Clickability or MyCareSpace, and maintain an up-to-date LinkedIn and Facebook presence.

Can I charge the same as a registered provider?

Yes — support coordination sits under a price-controlled line item in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.

For example, Level 2 Support Coordination is capped at a set hourly rate, regardless of whether you’re a sole trader or a large organisation.

However, the challenge isn’t in the rate — it’s in getting consistent work.

Most sole traders operate with plan-managed participants to simplify payment collection. You invoice the plan manager directly, which is faster and cleaner than dealing with NDIA portal claims.

Should I register with the NDIS as a provider?

This depends on your risk appetite and target audience.

Being registered gives you access to NDIA-managed participants — usually those with higher needs. But registration is time-consuming, paperwork-heavy, and costly (audits, compliance systems, policies).

Many sole traders choose to remain unregistered and work only with plan-managed or self-managed participants, who make up over 60% of the market.

This route gives you a faster start, lower costs, and more autonomy.

What tools or platforms can help me run my business solo?

Running lean means running smart. Here’s what most sole traders use:

• Accounting: Xero or Rounded for invoicing and bookkeeping

• Scheduling: Calendly or Acuity for easy bookings

• Notes & CRM: Notion, Trello or Penelope for client tracking

• Compliance: Easy to implement policy packs from trusted providers

• Marketing: A simple one-page website, local directory listings, and organic social media

The trick is to automate the admin so you can focus on relationships and outcomes.

How do I stay compliant and protected legally?

Even as a sole trader, you’re expected to deliver safe, ethical, and high-quality services. Here’s your minimum risk-reduction checklist:

• Insurance: Public Liability + Professional Indemnity

• NDIS Worker Screening Check

• Ongoing Professional Development (PD)

• Maintain up-to-date policies and procedures (especially privacy and incident reporting)

• Keep detailed client records in line with the NDIS Practice Standards

Small missteps can feel big in this space. Protect yourself early.

Real-world insight: Is it really sustainable?

Let’s be real — it’s not for everyone.

Some thrive solo, loving the independence. Others struggle with the isolation, cash flow variability, and responsibility overload.

A Sydney-based support coordinator I interviewed put it this way:

“It’s like running a micro-agency from your kitchen table. I love it, but you’ve got to be wired for autonomy. If you’re not self-driven, it’ll chew you up.”

Still, many small operators carve out meaningful, stable careers — especially when they tap into their networks, stay consistent, and offer something bigger agencies can’t: personal connection.

FAQ

Do I need an office to operate as a sole trader support coordinator?
No — most work remotely or from home. Client visits typically happen in homes, over Zoom, or in community settings.

Can I subcontract or hire someone later?
Yes. Sole traders can bring on contractors or transition to a company structure as the business grows.

Is there a demand for support coordinators?
Yes — particularly for high-quality, reliable providers. Demand often outpaces supply, especially in regional and outer-metro areas.

Being a sole trader in the NDIS support coordination space isn’t just viable — it can be deeply rewarding if approached strategically and ethically.

And if you’re weighing up whether to go it alone, this complete guide to NDIS support coordinators offers a solid breakdown of what makes a great provider in this sector.