Part 5: Grant-by-Grant Execution Tips

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://www.business.govt.nz/strategy-and-performance/regional-business-partner-network/management-capability-fund-for-businesses

• 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)

https://www.nzgcp.co.nz/

• Need traction and a lead investor
• Tip: You can't apply — investor submits

Innovation Services (MBIE) — New to R&D Grant

https://funds.business.govt.nz/products/fund/new-to-r-and-d-grant/

• Must have a scoped R&D project
• Tip: Use the "Uncertainty + New + Systematic" test

Bonus: R&D Tax Incentive vs Loss Credit

2. Frequently Asked Questions – Government Support for NZ Founders

What government support is available for startups in New Zealand?

Startups in New Zealand can access a wide range of government-backed support, but it's often fragmented across different agencies. Here's what's available, broken down by support type and linked to official sources.

→ Looking for a list of all NZ startup & SME support initiatives? NZ Government Support Directory (2026)

Grants for New Businesses Delivered by: Work and Income (MSD)

These grants support people starting businesses from unemployment or low-income backgrounds:

• Self-Employment Start-Up Payment – Up to $10,000 for startup essentials (e.g. equipment, materials, marketing).
• Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment – Weekly subsidy up to $16,800 over 28 weeks to support personal income during early stages.
• Business Training and Advice Grant – Up to $5,000 for approved training or business planning advice.

Capability Building & Training Vouchers Delivered by: Regional Business Partner Network via business.govt.nz

• Capability Development Voucher – Up to $5,000 per year (50% co-funded) for training in strategy, sales, marketing, finance, etc. Work with a local RBP Growth Advisor to access vouchers and referral support.

Export and Scaling Support Delivered by: The Treasury and NZ Growth Capital Partners through third party financial providers

• NZ Export Credit Agency – Provides loan guarantees and trade credit insurance to help exporters win contracts and secure payment.
• Aspire NZ Seed Fund – Government co-investment fund for early-stage tech startups.
• Elevate NZ Venture Fund – Invests in VC funds to increase Series A/B capital for NZ scale-ups.

R&D Support and Co-Funding Delivered by: Innovation Services (MBIE)

• New to R&D Grant – 40% co-funding (up to $400,000) for your first significant R&D project.
• R&D Experience Grant – Currently $11,580 + GST per student intern for a 400-hour R&D project.
• R&D Career Grant – Covers 6 months salary for hiring a graduate into their first R&D role (max $30K master's, $35K PhD graduate).

Startup Incubators and Mentorship Delivered by: Multiple providers, funded or supported by government

NZ Startup Ecosystem Directory

• Startup and Founder Support Programme (Innovation Services / MBIE) – Access government co-funded incubators and accelerators for early-stage tech founders.
• Business Mentors NZ – 6 months of 1:1 mentoring with experienced business mentors (low one-off fee).
• Te Puni Kōkiri – Māori Enterprise – Wraparound support for Māori founders, including growth advisors and regional capability services.

Support for International Founders Delivered by: Immigration New Zealand

• Business Investor Work Visa – The Entrepreneur Work Visa closed to new applicants on 26 August 2025. The replacement requires investment in an existing established NZ business, not a new startup. Early-stage founders relocating to NZ to build a new company should seek immigration advice before applying. immigration.govt.nz/visas/business-investor-work-visa

How do I apply for Innovation Services (MBIE) grants?

All R&D grants previously administered by Callaghan Innovation now operate under Innovation Services, administered by MBIE. Applications are made via funds.business.govt.nz.

Before applying, contact your RBP Growth Advisor. An advisor will assess which programmes apply to your stage and can support your application.

Useful links:

• https://funds.business.govt.nz/products/fund/r-and-d-experience-grants/
• https://funds.business.govt.nz/products/fund/new-to-r-and-d-grant/
• https://funds.business.govt.nz/products/fund/r-and-d-career-grants/
• NZIAT Deep Tech Incubator (in transition): https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/refocusing-the-science-innovation-and-technology-system/public-research-organisations/new-zealand-institute-for-advanced-technology

What is the Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network and how does it work?

The RBP Network is a national support system connecting startups and small businesses with local Growth Advisors. These advisors offer free 1:1 guidance and can unlock co-funding for:

• Management and capability training
• R&D and innovation advice
• Export strategy support

You start by registering online. An advisor will meet with you to understand your goals and refer you to the right support or funding.

This network is available across all regions of New Zealand and is often the first step in accessing many government support programs.

Useful links:

• https://www.business.govt.nz/strategy-and-performance/regional-business-partner-network/find-your-local-regional-business-partner
• https://web.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/business/

Is MBIE still funding startups in 2026?

Yes. MBIE remains the central government agency for startup and SME support. As of 2026:

• Callaghan Innovation was disestablished on 1 December 2025. All grants and programmes transferred to MBIE and now operate under Innovation Services at funds.business.govt.nz.
• The RBP Network is still operating across the country and helping clients access R&D support.
• The 15% R&D Tax Incentive is still available through IRD.
• MBIE continues to co-fund deep tech incubators (transitioning to NZIAT around July 2026), export support, and innovation grants including the New to R&D Grant.

Some older programs (e.g. Digital Boost) have ended, but core growth and innovation funding remains available for eligible founders.

Useful links:

• https://www.business.govt.nz
• https://www.mbie.govt.nz
• https://funds.business.govt.nz

What is the 15% R&D Tax Incentive, and who qualifies?

This incentive gives you a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D spending. It's designed to reduce your effective tax bill.

• The minimum spend is $50,000 per year in eligible R&D (or work with an approved R&D certifier if below this threshold).
• There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
• Eligible R&D must involve systematic experimentation to create something new or improved (e.g., new products, processes, or tech).

This credit is administered by Inland Revenue, with technical eligibility guidance from MBIE.

Useful links:

• https://www.rdti.govt.nz/
• https://www.ird.govt.nz/research-and-development/tax-incentive

What is the R&D Tax Loss Credit — and How Does It Work?

If your company is pre-profit and in a tax loss position, you may be eligible to cash out some of your tax losses based on eligible R&D spend — rather than carry those losses forward.

Key points:

• You can receive up to 28% of eligible R&D expenditure as cash.
• Your business must be in a tax loss position and have at least 20% of labour costs in R&D.
• The maximum annual cash-out is around $560,000 (based on current caps and thresholds).
• If you later exit or become profitable, this amount may be repaid in certain circumstances (e.g., liquidation or sale of IP).
• You can apply for both the R&D Tax Incentive and R&D Tax Loss Credit.

Useful link:

• https://www.ird.govt.nz/research-and-development/loss-tax-credit

What is R&D and who qualifies?

To qualify as R&D, your activity must meet all three of these criteria:

1. Uncertainty – You're tackling a scientific or technological problem a qualified expert can't already solve.
2. New or Improved – You're creating new knowledge, or a new or improved product, process, or service.
3. Systematic – You're following a structured, planned approach — not just trial and error.

Useful links:

• https://www.rdti.govt.nz/
• https://funds.business.govt.nz/products/fund/new-to-r-and-d-grant/

How does the government Deep Tech Incubator programme work?

The government's deep tech incubator programme is transitioning from Callaghan Innovation to the NZ Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), which is being established within MBIE with $231M committed over four years. Enabling legislation is expected around July 2026, after which NZIAT becomes an independent entity.

Founders do not apply directly. Engagement happens through MBIE-funded incubator delivery partners. For current programme details and open rounds, check the MBIE and funds.business.govt.nz pages directly, as programme settings are being updated through 2026.

Useful link:

• https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/refocusing-the-science-innovation-and-technology-system/public-research-organisations/new-zealand-institute-for-advanced-technology

3. Master List: NZ Government Execution Links, Tools, & Resources

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