Business Services

Business Services (also previously known as supported employment or sheltered workshops) are funded by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA).

Business Services provide a range of employment options to:

• people for whom competitive employment at an award wage in the open labour market is unlikely
• people who, because of their disabilities, need substantial ongoing support to obtain or retain paid employment

Support is generally provided for more than 24 months and can be ongoing for as long as the job seeker remains employed by the service. Funding levels are determined by the individual support requirements of each worker.

What type of work and training is available in Business Services?

Disability Business Services have a dual focus - they provide employment for people with a disability and they operate as commercial businesses.

There is a variety of Business Services operating in NSW that provide different tasks and learning opportunities for their employees in a wide range of commercial and industrial operations.

Who is eligible to work in a Business Service?

If you have a Disability Support Pension and are able to work for at least 8 hours a week (with support), you are eligible to work in a Business Service and can register directly with a Disability Business Service. You do not need to complete a Job Capacity Assessment.

Other job seekers may be referred to a Business Service after undertaking a Job Capacity Assessment, if it is considered the most suitable employment option.

Eligibility alone does not guarantee acceptance into a Business Service.

Similar to the Disability Employment Network capped program, Business Services are usually near or at capacity and may not be able to offer you a place.

The Australian Government Department of Family, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA) provide funding for a limited number of places. The primary purpose of this funding is to cover the costs incurred by Business Services in the provision of employment support for each worker.

For further information about Business Services including the location of services.