How to Start an NEMT Business With Minimum Investment

The healthcare industry is a busy one, with a lot of scope for long-term success for entrepreneurs. While healthcare presents an opportunity to earn money, providing services to people who need it most is also fulfilling. 

Entrepreneurs looking to penetrate the industry should consider opening a non-emergency medical transportation business. If you have limited capital, you can still make it work.

Here’s how to start an NEMT business without money in USA—or at least do so with minimal financial investment. 

If you have a vehicle we have another article for you: how to start an NEMT business with one van. 

What is an NEMT Business?

NEMT is a fleet of vehicles that ferry passengers with mobility issues to and from their medical appointments. This type of specialized transportation caters to a wide range of clients. 

There are ambulatory vehicles for those who don’t need medical tools or specialized equipment to move around but may need comfortable or ergonomic seats for safe travel. Seniors and people with mild orthopedic issues can benefit from these. Some NEMT vehicles cater to those who need wheelchairs or stretches to travel. 

Some NEMT vehicles are also used as courier services to transport organs and other sensitive biologicals. 

Benefits of Setting Up an NEMT Business

Healthcare is a basic necessity, and NEMT is an integral part of the industry. Starting an NEMT business benefits many people in the community, including the healthcare industry as a whole. 

What are the benefits of NEMT business? 

Acts of Service

Entrepreneurs want to make money, and they open businesses for profit. However, knowing you are helping people with healthcare and transport provides a different sense of fulfillment. 

Sustainability

As long as you know how to build a standout business, there is scope for sustainability and success in NEMT. People will always need to go to their medical appointments, and NEMT will be needed to provide them with the ideal transportation. 

It also helps that the existence of NEMT is ensured under the Medicaid regulations. 

Healthcare Improvement

NEMT provides a critical service that improves people’s health and advances the industry. 

How Much Does It Cost to Start an NEMT Business?

How Much Does It Cost to Start an NEMT Business?

One of the most important questions when starting a business is: can you afford to do so? According to some reports, you need at least $350,000 to start an NEMT business.

Here are some of the expenses you will incur in the run-up to opening your business:

  • Business registration fee
  • NEMT fleet
  • Fuel and vehicle maintenance
  • Legal fees
  • Insurance
  • NEMT license
  • NEMT certificates
  • Office/facility/parking lot lease
  • Office supplies
  • Utility
  • Employee salaries
  • Technology
  • Marketing and advertising

The estimated amount tracks. But what if you don’t have that much money to start an NEMT business? Don’t give up on your dream quite yet—you can still do so without breaking the bank. 

How Can You Start an NEMT Business With No Money?

Starting any business with no money seems impossible, but here are some key things that can ease the way. 

It Starts With a Solid Business Plan

There are many ways to get capital—from bank loans to angel investors—if you have a solid business plan that lists strategies to help you succeed. The plan must be well-researched and cover all the bases your potential financiers would ask about. 

Invest in Great Technology

Software is a critical component of a successful NEMT business and using one like ISI Technology will help you minimize expenses in the long run. 

Here’s how to reduce costs in NEMT using technology:

  • Efficiency
  • Automated scheduling
  • Route optimization
  • Accurate billing
  • Data analytics

Start Small

Ideally, you should have at least four NEMT vehicles to cover different needs: basic ambulatory, wheelchairs, stretchers, and courier services. However, you can start a small business with just one vehicle and work your way up from there. 

Seek Financing

Seek Financing

You can apply for funding assistance from various institutions to help get your business started.

Business Loans

You can apply for a business loan with banks and other lenders. The average interest rates for these loans could be around 6% to 12% annually.

You may qualify for lower interest rates if you have a good credit score and a healthy financial history. 

Grants

Private institutions and federal and state governments offer grant programs for small businesses and startups. Aside from financing, they also provide valuable resources for entrepreneurs, such as technical assistance and training.

Grants.gov, your state’s chamber of commerce, and large corporations like Visa and FedEx have grants on offer. Before sending an application, read through the eligibility criteria to see if your business qualifies.

Investors

Venture capitalists and angel investors provide capital in exchange for ownership shares in a startup or small business. 

Conclusion

Starting a business isn’t easy, and shoring up finances is one of the biggest challenges. But there are ways to create an NEMT business with minimal investment if you have the determination to do so, a solid business plan, and efficient software to simplify the process.