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Understand the system, who to talk to first, and which support streams to prioritise.
1. How the Government Support System Works (In Plain English)
Understand how NZ startup funding works — from MBIE to NZGCP — and where to start as a founder.
Break down how NZ's interconnected government startup support system really works — who to engage, when, and why.
🏁 Start Here: Set Up and Direction
Regional Business Partner Network | Your first port of call. Book a session with a Growth Advisor | https://web.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/business/registration |
MSD (Work & Income) | Startup grants for founders coming off benefits. | https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/flexi-wage-for-self-employment.html |
Stage Two: Capability Building and Market Prep
NZTE | Export strategy and capability development. | https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/exporter-education |
Te Puni Kōkiri | Support for Māori entrepreneurs | https://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/whakamahia/maori-business-growth-support |
Business Mentors NZ | General mentoring support | https://www.businessmentors.org.nz/ |
Stage Three: Product Development, R&D, and Capital
Callaghan Innovation | R&D and innovation grants | https://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/products/fund/ |
MBIE | Central government funding source | https://www.mbie.govt.nz/ |
New Zealand Growth Capital Partners | Government-backed venture capital | https://www.nzgcp.co.nz/ |
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NZ Government Support for Startups &SMEs Directory (2025)
2. Quick Start: Who You Should Talk to First
Get government funding and capability support faster by booking your RBP Growth Advisor session — the first step for all NZ startups.
🚨 Do This First
Book a Free Call With Your Regional Business Partner
Start your funding journey with a free session from a Regional Business Partner (RBP) Growth Advisor.
➤ https://web.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/business/registration
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No pitch needed — just know the problem you are solving, the solution you're building and where you're stuck - “what is your ask”.
3. Non-Financial Support You Shouldn’t Ignore
Boost your government grant success by using free NZ startup support services for capability and strategy.
These services lift Founder capability and help strengthen applications to unlock next-stage funding.
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4. Capability Building vs Commercialisation Funding
Learn which NZ startup grants to use first — and how to sequence them for better success.
Founders who use capability grants first often succeed faster with commercialisation funding.
Type | Purpose | Examples |
Capability Building | Level up pricing, export strategy, business ops, strategy, road mapping, raising capital | RBP Vouchers, NZTE, Mentoring |
Commercialisation | Fund R&D programme, de-risk commercialisation of IP/innovation, market validation, prototyping, scaling | Callaghan Innovation Grants: N2R&D, Ārohia, Student Career and Experience; NZGCP Aspire |
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