Self-Employed. Independent. Sustainable.
"A specialist innovation program empowering participants to transform their strengths and passions into a sustainable, income-generating business venture."
Hero photo — participant working on their venture
Diverse Ventures™ · NDIS-aligned · 12-month program
The program
More than a business course — a guided journey to independence.
Diverse Ventures™ is a twelve-month, NDIS-aligned online program delivered by award-winning business coach and marketing strategist Alicia Hagen, designed to build confidence, independence, and economic participation through a personally meaningful business.
Delivered through weekly online sessions, with ongoing access to course materials and mentoring support throughout the week to answer questions, provide guidance, and foster connection with other participants.
By the end of the program, participants leave not only with increased capability, but with a financially viable venture they can continue to grow — because true independence is built when a person recognises their capacity to create opportunities for themselves.
Real outcomes
Four ventures, four different paths
Real participants, real businesses built through the program.
Case study photo
MichaellaCake Business
"I can't believe what I have achieved in only a few months."
Now stocked in IGA Visit lilbakesbymichaella.com →
Case study photo
LinzyJewellery Business
"I'm very proud of what I've achieved and feel great giving back to the community."
Bracelet range that donates to the children's hospital Visit linzysbeadco.com →
Case study photo
EzraPhotography Business
"This program showed me just how capable I am and what I can achieve with the right supports."
Photoshoots + prints sold online & at markets Visit eastcoastpetandwildlifephotography.com →
Case study photo
LilyBabysitting Business
"This gives me the flexibility to work to my capacity and do what I enjoy."
A string of regular clients Visit lilyandlittles.com →
What you'll work on
A complete toolkit to launch and run your venture
Thirteen modules, covered step by step across the twelve months.
1Goal Setting
2Financials
3Target Audience
4Branding
5Web Design
6AI Build
7SEO
8Social Media
9Meta Ads
10Google Ads
11Sales Strategy
12CRM Set Up & Management
13Launching
No prior knowledge or experience needed — you're guided every step of the way.
Alicia's photo
Alicia's photo
Your mentor
Led by Alicia Hagen
Award-winning business & marketing strategist
Alicia Hagen is an award-winning business and marketing strategist with more than 20 years of experience across ecommerce and service-based businesses.
As a mentor with Diverse Ventures, Alicia brings practical, real-world knowledge to help participants turn their interests, talents and ideas into achievable business opportunities. Her approach is supportive, encouraging and tailored to each individual — breaking down business, branding and marketing into clear, manageable steps.
Alicia is passionate about helping neurodivergent entrepreneurs build confidence, develop practical skills and create ventures that reflect their unique strengths and goals.
20+ years in business & marketing
Ecommerce & service-based specialist
Diverse Ventures Mentor
The Diverse Ventures™ difference
Built for the way you actually think and work
Diverse Ventures™ empowers participants to create opportunity, independence, and purpose through meaningful business development.
Innovation-led design
Developed in alignment with NDIS Innovative Community Participation supports, prioritising creativity, autonomy, and non-traditional pathways toward economic participation.
Strengths-first methodology
Participants begin by identifying their natural abilities, interests and passions — intentionally shaped into a realistic, achievable business pathway through structured guidance.
Weekly delivery, ongoing support
Weekly online sessions, supported by ongoing access to course materials and mentoring throughout the week — so participants can revisit content and get timely guidance.
Psychological safety, online
The fully online model supports consistent engagement while reducing social pressure, sensory overload, and participation barriers common in face-to-face environments.
Neuro-affirming framework
As a neuro-affirming provider, we recognise the complexity of navigating conventional employment pathways and support diverse ways of thinking.
Community beyond the session
Access to a supportive online peer community that fosters connection, accountability, mentoring and encouragement — during the program and beyond.
NDIS alignment
Measurable outcomes, real capacity building
Diverse Ventures™ is designed to support measurable outcomes related to:
Increased social and economic participation
Innovation and skill development
Confidence and self-efficacy
Independence
Decision making
Community participation
Capacity building
$134.62/week — two 26-week terms across the 12-month program ($3,500 per term, $7,000 total) — claimable under Capacity Building, including SLES.
Is this you?
Who this program is for
This program is particularly valuable for participants who:
Aspire to work in ways that align with their strengths
May not thrive within traditional employment models
Have creative ideas but need structured guidance
Are seeking greater independence and financial agency
Benefit from low-pressure social environments
Want to build confidence while pursuing meaningful goals
Duration12 month program
Session length1/week + ongoing daily support
Day & timeWed 4–5pm or Thurs 10–11am
LocationOnline
DeliveryStructured workshops, optional 1:1 add-on
Still not sure?
Frequently asked questions
We've gathered the questions we're asked most often, so you can feel supported, informed, and at ease.
What age is Diverse Ventures™ suitable for?
Designed for young people and adults aged 16+ interested in self-employment, entrepreneurship, or alternative pathways to meaningful economic participation. Suitability is guided less by age and more by readiness, interests and goals. Each participant completes an onboarding process to ensure the program aligns with their NDIS goals and support needs.
How do I get started?
Book a short call with us and we'll talk through your needs, NDIS goals, funding options and next steps.
Phone: 0410 365 592
Email: available on request
Are you a Support Coordinator or Plan Manager?
We're happy to provide program information, goal alignment details, and referral support. Please reach out — we love collaborating to create meaningful outcomes for participants and families.
What does the program cost, and what's claimable under NDIS?
12-Month Program – Cost Overview
The program runs across two 26-week terms.
Cost per term: $134.62 per week, over 26 weeks ($3,500.00 per term)
Total program cost (both terms): $7,000.00
What's claimable: The program is claimable under Capacity Building – Employment Supports, depending on participant goals and plan structure.
Capacity Building Supports:
Innovative Community Participation – 09_008_0116_6_3
School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) – 10_021_0102_5_3
Is Diverse Ventures™ SLES-eligible?
Yes. Diverse Ventures™ can be accessed through School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) funding (line item 10_021_0102_5_3), as well as through Capacity Building – Innovative Community Participation. Get in touch and we'll help confirm which funding pathway fits your plan.
What does this program focus on?
Participants commonly demonstrate significant growth in confidence and self-identity, independence, initiative and follow-through, financial capability, social connection, decision making, and long-term future planning. Most importantly, participants leave with something tangible — a venture that reflects who they are and what they're capable of building.
Where is the program located?
Delivered as a twelve-month online program with weekly facilitated group sessions, so participants can progress at a steady, supported pace. Participants receive weekly live sessions, ongoing access to all course materials, mentoring throughout the week, and access to an online peer community. Optional in-person 1:1 mentoring can be added for participants who'd benefit from additional individual support.
Ready to build something of your own?
Download the info pack or book a short call — we'll help you figure out if Diverse Ventures™ is the right fit.