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Discover Every Active NZ Government Grant and Support Program for Startups & SMEs (2025)
New Zealand’s government offers a wide range of non-dilutive support for startups and small businesses — including grants, co-funding, R&D tax credits, mentoring, export services, and startup visas. These non-dilutive tools help founders build products, upskill teams, and scale faster.
This page breaks down every live government initiative for New Zealand founders in 2025 — covering funding, capability support, export services, and investment programs. It’s a founder-first guide with clear eligibility info and direct application links, built to help you find the right support at the right time. We’ve simplified the ecosystem so you can see what’s live, what fits your stage, and how to access it — with direct links to the next correct step.
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The Kiwi Startup Founder’s Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Most Out of NZ Government Support
Find your fastest pathway to the full scope of NZ government support.
A practical playbook for early-stage founders to map, stack, and win non-dilutive funding in New Zealand.
⚠️ Several programs listed rely on Callaghan Innovation funding. As of Q2 2025, this funding is under government review and is transitioning to MBIE. Confirm status with the program operator before applying.
1. How New Zealand Government Agencies Support Startups and SMEs
Where do you start? Right here.
New Zealand’s government support system is powered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), with key programs delivered through Inland Revenue, Callaghan Innovation, and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE). Most support flows through your local Regional Business Partner (RBP) hub — the front door for startup founders.
The RBP network connects you to real people (called Growth Advisors) who can are experts at helping you navigate the support the government has to offer.
To find a RBP Growth Advisor and take the first right step:
📍 Start here: https://www.business.govt.nz/how-to-grow/regional-business-partner-network/find-your-local-regional-business-partner
This page lets you search by region to find your local RBP hub — often hosted by your local Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development Agency. From there, you can:
- Book a free meeting with a Growth Advisor
- Get personalised guidance on which government programs apply to your business
- Access co-funding, grants, or referrals based on your stage and needs
💡 You don’t need a polished pitch — just a clear view of what you're building and where support is needed.
💲 New Zealand Chambers of Commerce are a nationwide network of 30 regional business organisations that support local startups and SMEs with advocacy, networking, and access to government-funded programs. Many also host the Regional Business Partner Network (below), helping founders access capability vouchers, mentoring, and growth advice. Chambers are independent but often work closely with MBIE, Callaghan Innovation, and councils to deliver practical support to business owners across Aotearoa.
📍Start here: https://www.newzealandchambers.co.nz/new-zealand-chamber-network/
2. Complete List of NZ Government Agencies That Provide Support to Startups & SMEs
Explore every NZ government agency offering startup and SME support — from grants and co-funding to mentoring, visas, and venture capital — with verified links and program summaries.
Agency | URL | What it Does |
Inland Revenue (IRD) | Administers tax credits and incentives, including the 15% R&D Tax Incentive for businesses conducting eligible R&D activities. | |
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) | NZ’s central economic development ministry. Oversees policy and funding for innovation, Māori economic development, and startup support. | |
Callaghan Innovation | Formerly NZ’s innovation agency. Provides grants, co-funding, incubator support, and R&D talent programs. Functions transferring to MBIE in 2025. | |
Regional Business Partner Network (RBP) | A network of 15 regional hubs connecting SMEs with advisors, capability vouchers, and referrals to support services. | |
New Zealand Chamber of Commerce | A nationwide network of regional business organisations that support SMEs and startups with advocacy, networking, business advice, and access to government-funded programs. | |
MBIE’s small business platform. Offers guides, funding info, and access to the RBP Network and training vouchers. | ||
Ministry of Social Development (Work and Income) | Provides grants and subsidies for people starting businesses from unemployment or low-income positions. | |
Business Mentors New Zealand | Matches small business owners with experienced mentors. Offers government-supported startup and SME mentoring. | |
Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development) | Supports Māori-owned businesses with funding, business advisors, and growth support programs. | |
NZ Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) | Government-owned VC platform. Manages the Aspire Seed Fund and Elevate Fund to support startup funding. | |
NZ Export Credit (NZEC) | NZ’s export credit agency. Provides loan guarantees, contract guarantees, and insurance for SME exporters. | |
Immigration New Zealand | Administers the Entrepreneur Work Visa for overseas founders establishing businesses in NZ. |
3. For Māori & Pasifika Founders
📍 Start here: https://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/nga-putea-me-nga-ratonga/maori-enterprise
Dedicated support exists for Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs building startups or small businesses in Aotearoa. You may be eligible for tailored funding, capability programs, or one-on-one guidance through:
- Te Puni Kōkiri – Māori Business Growth Support connects founders with regional advisors to access planning, funding, and scale-up support.
- MBIE Māori Innovation Fund – Offers co-funding to hire commercial advisors for iwi, hapū, or Māori collectives launching new ventures.
- Regional Business Partners (RBP) – Some hubs offer Pasifika-focused business advisors or connections to culturally aligned mentors and training.
- Maori Business Networks:
Te Taitokerau - Whāriki Te Taitokerau
Tāmaki Makaurau - Whāriki Māori Business Network
Hamilton - Te Hūmeka
Rotorua - Pakihi Ora
Tauranga -Tauranga Māori Business Association
Taranaki- He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki
Whanganui - Te Manu Atatū
Kapiti & Horowhenua - Te Rōpū Pakihi
Wellington - Te Awe
Otago/Southland - Te Kupeka Umaka Māori ki Araiteuru (KUMA)
Need help navigating the system? A local RBP Growth Advisor can walk you through what’s available and refer you to the right contacts.
5. R&D Tax Credit Guide for NZ Startups
Eligibility, claim steps, and how to maximise your R&D credits in New Zealand.
R&D Tax Credit (RDTI) – New Zealand
R&D Tax Loss Credit (R&D Tax Refund)
Advisory Insight:
📝 PwC NZ Summary: https://www.pwc.co.nz/services/tax/research-and-development.html
- Provides practical tips on how to document R&D activities, manage project boundaries, and avoid common pitfalls.
- Recommended for startups aiming to maximize their claim and stay compliant.
6. Government Grants for New Zealand Startups & SMEs (2025)
A grant is non-repayable funding provided by the government to help startups or small businesses cover specific costs—like launching a business, hiring talent, or developing new products—without giving up equity or taking on debt.
Program | Type of Business | Provider/Agency | Coverage | Description | Official Page | Endpoint? |
Self-Employment Start-up Payment | SME & Startup (new business founders) | MSD – Work and Income | National | Up to $10,000 grant for essential start-up costs to help an unemployed person launch a new business. | No, requires consultation with MSD | |
Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment | SME & Startup (new business founders) | MSD – Work and Income | National | $600/week for 28 weeks (max $16,800) wage subsidy to support a founder’s income or business costs in the first months of trading. | No, requires consultation with MSD | |
Business Training & Advice Grant | SME & Startup (new business founders) | MSD – Work and Income | National | Grant up to $5,000 per year to pay for approved business courses, coaching or professional advice when starting a business. | No, requires consultation with MSD | |
Callaghan R&D Experience Grant | Startup & SME engaging in Callaghan’s definition of R&D | Callaghan Innovation | National | Funds student intern wages (at Living Wage) for summer R&D projects, so businesses get extra R&D help and students gain experience. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Callaghan R&D Career Grant | Startup & SME engaging in Callaghan’s definition of R&D | Callaghan Innovation | National | Covers 6 months salary for hiring graduate into their first R&D role (max $30K Master, $35K PHD graduate) | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Ārohia Evidence Grant | Startup & SME (non-R&D, early-stage validation) | Callaghan Innovation | National | Co-funding of up to $25,000 to support market validation, feasibility studies, and ecosystem impact assessments that strengthen future grant proposals. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan |
7. Government Co-funding for New Zealand Startups & SMEs (2025)
Co-funding is when the government covers a portion of your business costs—like R&D, capability building, or innovation—while your business contributes the rest. It’s not a loan or equity; it’s shared investment to accelerate growth without dilution.
Program | Type of Business | Provider/Agency | Coverage | Description | Official Page | Endpoint? |
Callaghan New to R&D Grant | Startup & SME (new to R&D) | Startup & SME engaging in Callaghan’s definition of R&D | National | 40% co-funding (up to $400k) for a company’s first substantial R&D project. The business must match 60% of costs; helps firms with little prior R&D invest in innovation. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Callaghan Ārohia Trailblazer Grant | Startup | Callaghan Innovation | National | Large matching grant up to $4m for innovative businesses about to commercialise breakthrough products. Funds up to ~50% of project costs for scaling production, building teams, demos, etc., alongside private investment. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Regional Business Partner (RBP) Capability Voucher | SME & Startup | NZTE / MBIE (RBP Network) | National (regional delivery) | 50% vouchers up to $5k for management capability development. Businesses co-pay 50% of the cost of approved training/workshops (max $5,000 subsidy per year). | No, requires consultation with RBP Growth Advisor |
8. Government Advisory & Incubator Support for New Zealand Startups & SMEs (2025)
Incubator & Accelerator Support
Startup incubators and accelerators help founders turn ideas into fundable businesses with expert guidance, training, and investor readiness programs—often backed by government and free to access.
Advisory & Mentoring Services
Advisory programs match founders with experienced mentors or business advisors who offer hands-on support across planning, validation, and growth—ideal for early-stage or underserved entrepreneurs.
Program | Type of Business | Provider/Agency | Coverage | Description | Official Page | Endpoint? |
Callaghan Startup Incubators & Accelerators | Startup (high-growth tech) | Callaghan Innovation (via funded partners) | National (various programs) | Incubation and accelerator programmes funded by government to grow startups. Incubators help founders develop ideas into viable businesses through mentoring, expert support and networks. Accelerators are time-bound cohorts focusing on rapid validation and investor readiness for tech startups. Entry is competitive but free (government-subsidised). | Yes | |
Business Mentors NZ – Startup Mentoring | Startup & SME (early-stage) | Business Mentors New Zealand (with MBIE support) | National | Volunteer mentoring service matching new entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors. For a nominal fee, founders get 6–12 months of guidance to refine their business idea, test feasibility, and build a solid business plan. Nationwide network with over 1,800 mentors. | Yes | |
Māori Business Growth Support | Startup & SME (Māori) | Te Puni Kōkiri | National | Holistic startup support for Māori entrepreneurs. Eligible new Māori-owned businesses are paired with a TPK business growth advisor who provides one-on-one support – from planning and skills workshops to connecting with funding and networks – to help launch and grow the venture. | No, requires consultation with a RBP Growth Advisor, Maori Business Network Advisor, or Te Puni Kōkiri | |
Maori Business Networks | Startup & SME (Māori) | Te Puni Kōkiri | 10 Regional Hubs | Te Puni Kōkiri partners with other agencies to provide specific business support and connect you with regional Māori business networks. | No, requires consultation with a RBP Growth Advisor, Maori Business Network Advisor, or Te Puni Kōkiri |
9. Government Export & Financial Guarantees for New Zealand Startups & SMEs (2025)
Government export credit support helps NZ startups and SMEs secure contracts and access finance with trade insurance and loan guarantees that reduce risk and unlock international growth
Program | Type of Business | Provider/Agency | Coverage | Description | Official Page | Endpoint? |
NZ Export Credit (Guarantees & Insurance) | Startup & SME (exporting business) | The Treasury – NZ Export Credit | National | Export credit agency support: government provides guarantees and trade credit insurance to NZ exporters. NZEC helps firms mitigate the risk of overseas buyers not paying or banks declining finance by acting as a guarantor/insurer. This improves access to loans and protects against losses, enabling SMEs to secure export contracts. | No, requires consultation with NZEC |
10. Government Equity Investment for New Zealand Startups (2025)
Government-backed equity funds like Aspire and Elevate help NZ tech startups raise venture capital by co-investing alongside angels and venture capital firms at Seed to Series B stages.
Program | Type of Business | Provider/Agency | Coverage | Description | Official Page | Endpoint? |
NZGCP – Aspire NZ Seed Fund | Startup (early-stage tech) | NZ Growth Capital Partners (Crown VC fund) | National | Government co-investment fund for seed startups: invests alongside angel investors into high-growth NZ tech startups at seed and early stages. Aspire provides flexible capital (no strict per-company cap) with a higher risk tolerance to help startups grow, while always bringing in at least matching private investment. | No, requires pitching to a NZGCP investment team member | |
NZGCP – Elevate NZ Venture Fund | Startup (growth-stage tech) | NZ Growth Capital Partners (fund of funds) | National | $300M fund-of-funds to boost VC for Series A/B: government-backed program investing in venture capital funds rather than directly in startups. Elevate backs VC fund managers (with required private matching) to increase the capital available for NZ companies’ larger funding rounds (typically $2–$20M). This strengthens the domestic VC ecosystem and supports scaling startups. | No, requires pitching to a NZGCP investment team member |
11. Government Immigration Support for New Zealand Startups & SMEs (2025)
The Entrepreneur Work Visa allows international founders to launch startups in New Zealand, with a pathway to residency for high-impact ventures.
Program | Type of Business | Provider/Agency | Coverage | Description | Official Page | Endpoint? |
Entrepreneur Work Visa | Starup & SME | Immigration New Zealand | National (visa) | Work visa pathway for entrepreneurs to establish a business in NZ. Applicants need at least NZ$100k capital (unless waived for certain sectors) and must meet a point-based system (assessing business plan, experience, benefit to NZ, etc.). Approved entrepreneurs get 12 months (extendable to 3 years total) to launch the business, and can become eligible for residency after 6–30 months if the venture invests ≥NZ$500k and creates 3+ jobs. This visa is designed to attract innovators and job creators. | No, requires consultation with Immigration NZ |
12. The Complete List of New Zealand Government Startup & SME Support Initiatives (2025)
Full directory of active government grants, co-funding, equity, and visa programs supporting startups and SMEs in New Zealand (2025). Use this list to compare funding types, eligibility, and endpoints across all initiatives.
Program | Support Type | Type of Business | Provider/Agency | Coverage | Short Description | Official Page (URL) | Endpoint? |
Self-Employment Start-up Payment | Grant | SME & Startup (new business founders) | MSD – Work and Income | National | Up to $10,000 grant for essential start-up costs to help an unemployed person launch a new business. | No, requires consultation with MSD | |
Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment | Grant | SME & Startup (new business founders) | MSD – Work and Income | National | $600/week for 28 weeks (max $16,800) wage subsidy to support a founder’s income or business costs in the first months of trading. | No, requires consultation with MSD | |
Business Training & Advice Grant | Grant | SME & Startup (new business founders) | MSD – Work and Income | National | Grant up to $5,000 per year to pay for approved business courses, coaching or professional advice when starting a business. | No, requires consultation with MSD | |
Callaghan R&D Experience Grant | Grant | Startup & SME engaging in Callaghan’s definition of R&D | Callaghan Innovation | National | Funds student intern wages (at Living Wage) for summer R&D projects, so businesses get extra R&D help and students gain experience. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Callaghan R&D Career Grant | Grant | Startup & SME engaging in Callaghan’s definition of R&D | Callaghan Innovation | National | Covers 6 months of a graduate’s salary in an R&D role, enabling SMEs to hire a PhD/Masters graduate to build in-house innovation capability. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Callaghan New to R&D Grant | Co-funding | Startup & SME (new to R&D) | Startup & SME engaging in Callaghan’s definition of R&D | National | 40% co-funding (up to $400k) for a company’s first substantial R&D project. The business must match 60% of costs; helps firms with little prior R&D invest in innovation. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Callaghan Ārohia Trailblazer Grant | Co-funding | Startup | Callaghan Innovation | National | Large matching grant up to $4m for innovative businesses about to commercialise breakthrough products. Funds up to ~50% of project costs for scaling production, building teams, demos, etc., alongside private investment. | No, requires consultation with Callaghan | |
Regional Business Partner (RBP) Capability Voucher | Co-funding | SME & Startup | NZTE / MBIE (RBP Network) | National (regional delivery) | 50% vouchers up to $5k for management capability development. Businesses co-pay 50% of the cost of approved training/workshops (max $5,000 subsidy per year). | No, requires consultation with RBP Growth Advisor | |
Callaghan Startup Incubators & Accelerators | Advisory & Incubation | Startup (high-growth tech) | Callaghan Innovation (via funded partners) | National (various programs) | Incubation and accelerator programmes funded by government to grow startups. Incubators help founders develop ideas into viable businesses through mentoring, expert support and networks. Accelerators are time-bound cohorts focusing on rapid validation and investor readiness for tech startups. Entry is competitive but free (government-subsidised). | Yes | |
Business Mentors NZ – Startup Mentoring | Advisory & Incubation | Startup & SME (early-stage) | Business Mentors New Zealand (with MBIE support) | National | Volunteer mentoring service matching new entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors. For a nominal fee, founders get 6–12 months of guidance to refine their business idea, test feasibility, and build a solid business plan. Nationwide network with over 1,800 mentors. | Yes | |
Māori Business Growth Support | Advisory & Incubation | Startup & SME (Māori) | Te Puni Kōkiri | National | Holistic startup support for Māori entrepreneurs. Eligible new Māori-owned businesses are paired with a TPK business growth advisor who provides one-on-one support – from planning and skills workshops to connecting with funding and networks – to help launch and grow the venture. | No, requires consultation with a RBP Growth Advisor, Maori Business Network Advisor, or Te Puni Kōkiri | |
Maori Business Networks | Advisory & Incubation | Startup & SME (Māori) | Te Puni Kōkiri | 10 Regional Hubs | Te Puni Kōkiri partners with other agencies to provide specific business support and connect you with regional Māori business networks. | No, requires consultation with a RBP Growth Advisor, Maori Business Network Advisor, or Te Puni Kōkiri | |
NZ Export Credit (Guarantees & Insurance) | Export & Financial Guarantees | Startup & SME (exporting business) | The Treasury – NZ Export Credit | National | Export credit agency support: government provides guarantees and trade credit insurance to NZ exporters. NZEC helps firms mitigate the risk of overseas buyers not paying or banks declining finance by acting as a guarantor/insurer. This improves access to loans and protects against losses, enabling SMEs to secure export contracts. | No, requires consultation with NZEC | |
NZGCP – Aspire NZ Seed Fund | Equity investment | Startup (early-stage tech) | NZ Growth Capital Partners (Crown VC fund) | National | Government co-investment fund for seed startups: invests alongside angel investors into high-growth NZ tech startups at seed and early stages. Aspire provides flexible capital (no strict per-company cap) with a higher risk tolerance to help startups grow, while always bringing in at least matching private investment. | No, requires pitching to a NZGCP investment team member | |
NZGCP – Elevate NZ Venture Fund | Equity investment | Startup (growth-stage tech) | NZ Growth Capital Partners (fund of funds) | National | $300M fund-of-funds to boost VC for Series A/B: government-backed program investing in venture capital funds rather than directly in startups. Elevate backs VC fund managers (with required private matching) to increase the capital available for NZ companies’ larger funding rounds (typically $2–$20M). This strengthens the domestic VC ecosystem and supports scaling startups. | No, requires pitching to a NZGCP investment team member | |
Entrepreneur Work Visa | Immigration | Starup & SME | Immigration New Zealand | National (visa) | Work visa pathway for entrepreneurs to establish a business in NZ. Applicants need at least NZ$100k capital (unless waived for certain sectors) and must meet a point-based system (assessing business plan, experience, benefit to NZ, etc.). Approved entrepreneurs get 12 months (extendable to 3 years total) to launch the business, and can become eligible for residency after 6–30 months if the venture invests ≥NZ$500k and creates 3+ jobs. This visa is designed to attract innovators and job creators. | No, requires consultation with Immigration NZ |
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