Detailed advice and links for each major grant program.
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1. Grant-by-Grant Execution Tips
MSD Startup Support
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/grants-for-self-employment.html
- Apply before you start trading. Prepare a budget and training plan
- Tip: Be clear, not polished
Capability Vouchers (RBP)
https://regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/
- Use early to fund pricing, GTM, operations
- Tip: Be specific about what capability you’re building
Exporting? Use NZEC Early
https://exportcredit.treasury.govt.nz/
- NZ Export Credit helps de-risk deals
- Tip: Bring a contract draft or live buyer convo
Aspire / Elevate (NZGCP)
- Need traction and a lead investor
- Tip: You can’t apply — investor submits≈
Callaghan Innovation (New to R&D)
https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2022-go3476
- Must have a scoped R&D project
- Tip: Use the “Uncertainty + New + Systematic” test
Bonus: R&D Tax Incentive vs Loss Credit
Option | Use Case | Execution Tip |
R&D Tax (15%) | Profitable or large-spend cos | Track labour logs and time in real-time |
Loss Credit (28%) | Pre-revenue startups | Cash out losses — but logs must be exact |
2. Frequently Asked Questions – Government Support for NZ Founders
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3. Master List: NZ Government Execution Links, Tools, & Resources
Site | What You Will Get | URL |
RBP Network – Regional Business Partners | Book a session with a Growth Advisor – the first step for all NZ startups. | |
MSD – Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment | Startup grants for founders coming off benefits (weekly subsidy). | |
NZTE – Exporter Education | Export strategy and capability development support for startups. | |
Te Puni Kōkiri – Māori Business Growth Support | Support programs tailored to Māori entrepreneurs. | |
Business Mentors NZ | General 1:1 business mentoring for early-stage founders. | |
Callaghan Innovation – R&D and Innovation Grants | Access to innovation funding such as New to R&D and Career Grants. | |
MBIE – NZ Government Startup Support | Central government agency supporting business innovation and R&D. | |
NZGCP – NZ Growth Capital Partners | Government-backed venture capital for scaling NZ startups. | |
Callaghan Innovation – New to R&D Grant | Co-funding for your first significant R&D project (up to $400K). | |
Callaghan Innovation – R&D Career Grants | Salary support for hiring a graduate into a startup R&D role. | |
Strategic Grants – Writing Examples | Templates and best practices for NZ charitable and business grant writing. | |
Public Trust – Charitable Grant Application Tips | 11 writing tips for stronger grant applications. | |
Hutt City Council – Proposal Guide | Community grant writing support with structured examples. | |
NZCT – Grant Application Guidance | How to apply successfully for NZCT grants. | |
MSD – Self Employment Grants | Startup grants for individuals on benefits, including startup essentials and training. | |
NZ Export Credit Agency (NZEC) | De-risk international deals with credit guarantees and insurance. | |
Capability Vouchers – Regional Business Partners | Early-stage co-funding for building pricing, ops, and GTM strategy. | |
Callaghan Innovation – New to R&D (Public Notice) | Gazette notice of funding requirements for New to R&D program. | |
Callaghan Innovation – R&D Experience Grants | Subsidised internships for student researchers. | |
Callaghan Innovation – Deep Tech Incubators | Co-funded deep tech startup support and commercialisation. | |
Business.govt.nz – Find Your RBP Partner | Search tool to locate your local Growth Advisor. | https://www.business.govt.nz/how-to-grow/regional-business-partner-network/find-your-local-regional-business-partner |
Regional Business Partners – Registration Page | Sign up for free advisory sessions and co-funding access. | |
R&D Tax Incentive (15%) | Info on claiming 15% credit on eligible R&D spend. | |
IRD – R&D Tax Incentive Admin | Inland Revenue portal for research & development tax credit. | |
IRD – Loss Tax Credit | Info on claiming 28% of R&D losses as cash for early-stage startups. |
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