$19 million program to scale-up NSW disability sector

SYDNEY, 18 September 2017 /PRNewswire Policy/ -- Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Small Business John Barilaro today announced a new $19 million Disability Sector Scale-Up (DSSU) program to help NSW businesses prepare for and make the most of the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Mr Barilaro said Business Acceleration grants of up to $2 million are now available, to help businesses scale-up and deliver new services - creating better outcomes for the state's disability sector.

“The NDIS has the potential to double the size of the disability support sector in NSW from around $3.4 billion to $6.8 billion over the next two years,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This creates huge and exciting opportunities for businesses and other organisations keen to scale-up and expand their offering.

“The roll-out of the NDIS will likely generate thousands of new jobs, but more importantly it will improve choice and access to high quality services for people with a disability.

“Critically this program will focus on strong service delivery in rural and remote areas that have in the past been underserviced,” he said.

Applications for the first of three tranches of small, medium and large Business Acceleration grants open today.

Businesses, non-government organisations, peak bodies and consortiums are able to apply through www.tenders.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams said the Disability Sector Scale-Up is a component of the NSW Government's $100 million Smart, Skilled & Hired initiative.

“On top of Business Acceleration grants, the DSSU will provide low cost advisory services for small businesses across the state through Business Connect to help them identify and capitalise on opportunities that emerge as a result of the NDIS.

“In NSW the NDIS will provide support for up to 140,000 people and the NSW Government, through the DSSU program, is making sure we take full advantage of the Scheme.”

SOURCE NSW Department of Industry