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NZ Government Grants & Support for Startups and SMEs (2026)
🚨 This page is in beta while the WFW team collects feedback. Some information may be incomplete.
Every Active NZ Government Grant and Startup Support Programme - Updated 2026
New Zealand's government offers a wide range of non-dilutive support for startups and small businesses. That includes grants, co-funding, R&D tax credits, capability vouchers, export guarantees, equity investment, and immigration pathways. None of it requires giving up equity or taking on debt.
This directory covers every live initiative for NZ founders in 2026 - with clear eligibility, updated links, and a direct path to the next step. No guesswork, no outdated Callaghan links.
⚠️ Important: The NZ science and innovation system changed significantly in late 2025.
Callaghan Innovation was disestablished on 1 December 2025. All grants and startup programmes transferred to MBIE and now operate under the brand Innovation Services, administered by MBIE at funds.business.govt.nz. The Callaghan Innovation Crown entity is expected to be formally wound up around July 2026.
Two grants closed permanently in December 2025: the Ārohia Evidence Grant and the Ārohia Trailblazer Grant.
The Entrepreneur Work Visa closed to new applicants on 26 August 2025 and has been replaced by the Business Investor Work Visa (open from 24 November 2025). Note: the new visa requires investment in an existing established business, not a new startup. It is less relevant to early-stage founders than the visa it replaced.
All links and programme details on this page reflect the current state as of May 2026.
Quick navigation →
Guides:
Programme lists:
1. How NZ Government Support Works - and Where to Start
The system looks complicated. It isn't, once you know the front door.
Most NZ government support for startups flows through one entry point: the Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network. This is a nationwide network of regional hubs staffed by Growth Advisors - people whose job is to match founders with the right programmes at the right stage.
You don't need a polished pitch. You need a clear idea of what you're building and where you need help.
📍 Find your local RBP Growth Advisor:
From a Growth Advisor meeting, you can:
- Get a free assessment of which programmes apply to your stage and sector
- Access the Management Capability Voucher (50% subsidy, up to $5,000)
- Get referrals to R&D grants, incubators, and other support
Some programmes - including the RBP Capability Voucher - can only be accessed through an RBP Growth Advisor. This step is not optional for those.
💲 NZ Chambers of Commerce:
https://www.newzealandchambers.co.nz/chamber-network/
30 regional chambers across Aotearoa. Many host the RBP Network and help founders access capability funding, mentoring, and business advice. Independent, but work closely with MBIE and local councils.
2. Complete List of NZ Government Agencies (2026)
Every NZ government agency offering startup and SME support - with current URLs and a plain description of what each one actually does.
Agency | URL | What it Does |
Inland Revenue (IRD) | Administers the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) - a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D spend. Joint delivery with MBIE since December 2025. | |
MBIE | NZ's central economic development ministry. Now the primary delivery agency for innovation grants and startup support following the Callaghan transition. | |
Innovation Services (MBIE) | The operational home for all ex-Callaghan grant programmes - R&D grants, career grants, and the Startup and Founder Support Programme. This is where you apply. | |
Regional Business Partner Network (RBP) | Nationwide network of regional hubs. Growth Advisors provide free triage, refer founders to programmes, and unlock capability vouchers. | |
Business.govt.nz | MBIE's small business platform. Guides, funding info, and the primary portal for grants-related information. | |
NZ Chambers of Commerce | 30 regional chambers supporting SMEs and startups with advocacy, networking, and access to government-funded programmes. | |
Work and Income (MSD) | Grants and subsidies for people starting businesses from unemployment or low-income positions. | |
Business Mentors New Zealand | Matches founders with experienced business mentors. 1,500+ mentors. MBIE-funded, nominally priced. | |
Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) | Ministry for Māori Development. Delivers the Māori Development Fund ($40.21M/yr from July 2025), business growth advisors, and connections to Māori business networks. | |
NZ Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) | Government-owned VC platform. Manages the Aspire Seed Fund (direct seed co-investment) and Elevate Venture Fund (fund-of-funds). Elevate received a $100M top-up in Budget 2025. | |
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) | Helps NZ businesses grow internationally. Provides export advisory services, market intelligence, global networks, and connections to international investors. Relevant once you're ready to scale offshore. Inbound FDI attraction has moved to Invest New Zealand (from July 2025). | |
NZ Export Credit (NZEC) | Crown-backed export credit agency. Loan guarantees, contract guarantees, and trade credit insurance for NZ exporters. | |
Immigration New Zealand | Administers the Business Investor Work Visa (open from November 2025) and the Active Investor Plus Visa. The Entrepreneur Work Visa closed August 2025. | |
Invest New Zealand | Autonomous Crown entity from 1 July 2025. Focused on attracting large-scale inbound foreign direct investment into NZ. Separate from NZTE's export mandate. Not relevant to most early-stage founders. | |
NZ Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT) | Being established within MBIE; becomes an independent entity around July 2026. Will absorb deep-tech incubator programmes. $231M committed over four years. Auckland-based. |
3. For Māori & Pasifika Founders
📍 Start here: https://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/nga-putea-me-nga-ratonga/maori-enterprise
Dedicated government support exists for Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs building startups and small businesses in Aotearoa. You may be eligible for tailored funding, capability programmes, or one-on-one advisory support through:
- Te Puni Kōkiri - Māori Business Growth Support: One-on-one advisor support for Māori-owned businesses from launch through growth. Contact your nearest TPK regional office to discuss eligibility and approach.
- Te Puni Kōkiri - Māori Development Fund: Grants for Iwi and Māori businesses and organisations. $40.21M/yr from Budget 2025. No fixed funding rounds - submit a proposal at any time after contacting your nearest TPK regional office.
- He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund (MBIE): Funds Māori-led science and innovation through two streams: Ara Whaihua (~$2.1M/round, 12-month commercialisation-ready projects) and Rangapū Rangahau (~$6.5M/round, 2-year capability and network-building partnerships). ~$8.6M available per annual round. For Māori-facing organisations and research organisations working toward commercial science outcomes - not individual founders directly.
- Regional Business Partners (RBP): Some hubs offer Pasifika-focused advisors or connections to culturally aligned mentors and training programmes.
Māori 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)
📍 Find your local RBP Growth Advisor: https://www.business.govt.nz/strategy-and-performance/regional-business-partner-network/find-your-local-regional-business-partner
4. R&D Tax Credits for NZ Startups - RDTI Guide
The R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) is one of the most accessible and underused tools available to NZ startups doing technical work. It is a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D expenditure, delivered jointly by MBIE and Inland Revenue. The rate and core structure are unchanged following Budget 2025.
Who can claim
Your business must be incorporated in NZ and pay income tax here. Your R&D must be systematic, investigative, or experimental - conducted to create new knowledge or improve an existing product, process, or service. Work must take place in NZ (or have ministerial approval for overseas R&D).
Minimum spend: $50,000 in eligible R&D per year (or use an approved R&D certifier if below this threshold). Expenditure cap: $120M (ministerial discretion above that).
What you can claim
- Salaries and wages of R&D staff
- Depreciation on R&D assets
- Materials and consumables used in R&D
- Approved contract R&D costs
Not eligible: Market research, quality control, aesthetic changes, routine software maintenance.
How to claim
- Register via myIR (IRD online services)
- File a General Approval application before the end of the income year
- Submit a Supplementary Return with your tax return, showing eligible expenditure
Full IRD guide: https://www.ird.govt.nz/-/media/project/ir/home/documents/forms-and-guides/ir1200---ir1299/ir1240/ir1240.pdf
R&D Tax Loss Credit
If your business is loss-making, you may be able to cash out some R&D losses rather than carry them forward. This is accessible to pre-revenue startups and companies not yet profitable.
MBIE overview: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/science-and-technology/science-and-innovation/funding-information-and-opportunities/r-d-tax-incentive
Resource | Description | URL |
IRD - Claiming R&D Tax Credits | How to register, apply, and claim the 15% credit | |
RDTI - How it works | Plain-language overview of the scheme | |
MBIE - R&D Tax Incentive | Policy structure and eligibility rules | |
IRD - Eligible Expenditure | What qualifies and what doesn't | |
IRD IR1240 PDF | Full compliance guide | |
PwC NZ - R&D Tax | Practical tips on structuring claims and audit readiness |
💡 Also relevant for 2026: The Investment Boost (Budget 2025) lets businesses claim a 20% upfront deduction on new productive assets acquired from 22 May 2025. Not R&D-specific, but useful for startups investing in equipment or infrastructure. Confirm eligibility with your accountant.
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Want someone to help you claim the R&D Tax Incentive?
The Startup Service Providers directory includes accountants and advisors who work with NZ startups on RDTI claims - so you're not navigating IRD compliance alone. → Browse 40+ providers across 16 categories
5. Government Grants for NZ Startups & SMEs (2026)
A grant is non-repayable funding from the government to cover specific business costs - launching, hiring, or building - without giving up equity or taking on debt.
Programme | Type of Business | Provider | Coverage | Description | Official Link |
Self-Employment Start-up Payment | New founders starting from unemployment | MSD - Work and Income | National | Up to $10,000 for essential start-up costs. For people receiving a benefit who are launching a new business. | |
Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment | New founders starting from unemployment | MSD - Work and Income | National | $600/week for up to 28 weeks (max $16,800) to support income or business costs in the first months of trading. Extendable to 52 weeks in some cases. | |
Business Training & Advice Grant | New founders starting from unemployment | MSD - Work and Income | National | Up to $5,000/year for approved courses, coaching, or professional advice when starting a business. | |
R&D Experience Grant | Startups and SMEs conducting eligible R&D | Innovation Services (MBIE) | National | Funds a student intern for a 400-hour R&D project at Living Wage. Currently $11,580 + GST per intern. Businesses get R&D capacity; students get experience. | |
R&D Career Grant | Startups and SMEs conducting eligible R&D | Innovation Services (MBIE) | National | Covers 6 months of a graduate's salary in their first R&D role. Up to $30,000 for a master's graduate or $35,000 for a PhD graduate. |
Ārohia Evidence Grant- Closed December 2025. No further funding rounds.
Government grants are non-dilutive. But they're rarely enough on their own.
If you're also exploring equity capital - angels, VCs, and alternative funding - the Get Funded directory maps every active capital provider for NZ startups, from pre-seed to growth. → Explore the Get Funded Directory
6. Government Co-funding for NZ Startups & SMEs (2026)
Co-funding means the government covers part of your costs - R&D, capability building, or training - while your business contributes the rest. No equity given up, no loan to repay.
Programme | Type of Business | Provider | Coverage | Description | Official Link |
New to R&D Grant | Startups and SMEs with little or no prior R&D | Innovation Services (MBIE) | National | 40% co-funding up to $400,000 for a company's first substantial R&D project. Your business matches 60% of costs. Designed for companies starting their R&D journey. | |
RBP Management Capability Voucher | SMEs and startups at any stage | NZTE / MBIE via RBP Network | National (regional delivery) | 50% subsidy, up to $5,000/year for approved management training or coaching. Must be accessed through an RBP Growth Advisor assessment first. |
Ārohia Trailblazer Grant- Closed December 2025. The Ministerial Direction underpinning this programme was revoked on 1 December 2025. No further rounds.
7. Advisory, Incubator & Accelerator Support for NZ Startups (2026)
Government-backed incubators and accelerators are free to enter (competitive, but no cost to participate). Advisory programmes match founders with experienced mentors for ongoing support.
Programme | Type of Business | Provider | Coverage | Description | Official Link | |
Startup and Founder Support Programme | Early-stage tech startups | Innovation Services (MBIE) via funded delivery partners | National | Government co-funds a network of incubators and accelerators - including Ministry of Awesome, Sprout Agritech, and others - to run free programmes for early-stage founders. Programmes are cohort-based, typically 3-6 months, covering market validation, fundraising readiness, and investor networks. Competitive entry. | ||
Business Mentors NZ - Startup Mentoring | Early-stage startups and SMEs | Business Mentors New Zealand (MBIE-supported) | National | Volunteer mentoring matching founders with experienced business mentors. 6-12 months of guidance on idea validation, business planning, and growth. Registration fee: $295 + GST. 1,500+ mentors nationwide. | ||
Māori Business Growth Support | Māori-owned startups and SMEs | Te Puni Kōkiri | National | One-on-one TPK regional advisor support for Māori-owned businesses from launch through growth. Connect with your nearest TPK regional office to discuss eligibility and approach. | ||
Māori Development Fund | Māori-owned businesses and Iwi organisations | Te Puni Kōkiri | National | Grants for Iwi and Māori businesses and organisations. $40.21M/yr from Budget 2025. No fixed funding rounds - submit a proposal at any time after contacting your nearest TPK regional office. 2025/26 priorities: Māori asset productivity and Māori export growth. | ||
Māori Business Networks | Māori-owned startups and SMEs | Te Puni Kōkiri | 10 Regional Hubs | Te Puni Kōkiri partners with regional Māori business networks to provide business support and sector connections across Aotearoa. |
📌 Coming 2026: NZ Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT). Being established within MBIE with $231M committed over four years. Will absorb the government's deep-tech incubator programmes when enabling legislation passes, expected around July 2026. Relevant for deep tech, advanced manufacturing, and hard science founders. 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
Government-funded incubators are one entry point. The ecosystem has more.
The NZ Startup Ecosystem Directory maps every regional hub, accelerator, Māori and Pasifika programme, women-focused initiative, and deep tech commercialisation unit across Aotearoa. → Explore the NZ Startup Ecosystem Directory
8. Government Export & Financial Guarantees for NZ Startups (2026)
For NZ startups moving into export markets, the government provides credit insurance and financial guarantees that reduce the risk of overseas buyers not paying and help businesses secure finance.
Programme | Type of Business | Provider | Coverage | Description | Official Link |
NZ Export Credit - Guarantees & Insurance | Startups and SMEs exporting internationally | The Treasury - NZ Export Credit | National | Crown-backed trade credit insurance and loan guarantees for NZ exporters. Products include the Export Credit Guarantee, Short-Term Trade Credit, Loan Guarantee, Surety Bond Guarantee, and Pre-Credit Insurance. NZEC helps firms access finance and protect against non-payment by overseas buyers. Crown-backed to a maximum aggregate liability of $740M. |
9. Government Equity Investment for NZ Startups (2026)
Government-backed equity funds co-invest alongside private capital in NZ tech startups at seed through growth stage. Founders do not apply to these directly - investment happens through the funds they back.
Programme | Type of Business | Provider | Coverage | Description | Official Link |
NZGCP - Aspire NZ Seed Fund | Early-stage tech startups | NZ Growth Capital Partners | National | Government co-investment fund that invests alongside angel investors in high-growth NZ tech startups at seed and early stages. No strict per-company cap, higher risk tolerance than typical funds. Always brings in matching private capital. Has backed close to 300 companies. Note: MBIE is currently reviewing Aspire's policy settings - check for updates during 2026. | |
NZGCP - Elevate NZ Venture Fund | Growth-stage tech startups | NZ Growth Capital Partners | National | Fund-of-funds that backs NZ VC managers to increase the capital available for larger rounds, typically $2M-$20M (Series A/B). Has backed ~150 NZ tech companies through 11 funds. As of Budget 2025, Elevate received a $100M top-up • $61M via the NZ Super Fund and $39M direct Crown contribution. Roughly 41% of portfolio is deep tech. |
Need the documents to go with the funding?
The Free Templates directory has startup-ready legal, financial, and governance templates vetted for NZ founders - including cap table tools, board materials, and employment documents. → Explore Free Startup Templates
10. Government Immigration Support for NZ Founders (2026)
The Entrepreneur Work Visa closed to new applicants on 26 August 2025. The replacement, the Business Investor Work Visa, opened 24 November 2025.
Important distinction: The new visa is designed for experienced investors buying into existing, established businesses - not for founders starting a new startup from scratch. If you are an early-stage founder relocating to NZ to build a new company, this visa is unlikely to be the right fit. Seek immigration advice before applying.
Programme | Type of Business | Provider | Coverage | Description | Official Link |
Business Investor Work Visa | Experienced business investors buying into existing NZ businesses | Immigration New Zealand | National | 4-year work visa with a pathway to residency for experienced investors who want to buy into and actively run an existing NZ business. Two pathways: $1M investment (residency eligible after 3 years) or $2M investment (fast-track, residency eligible after 12 months). The business must have at least 5 years of operating history and 5 FTE staff, or $1M annual revenue. Applicants must also hold $500,000 in reserve funds. Partners and dependent children can be included. |
Entrepreneur Work Visa- Closed 26 August 2025. Existing holders can renew and remain on the Entrepreneur Resident Visa pathway, which stays open. New applicants use the Business Investor Work Visa.
Not yet incorporated? Start here first.
The Start a Startup directory covers company registration, IRD and GST setup, visa pathways for foreign founders, and the exact steps to make your business legal and compliant in New Zealand. → Explore the Start a Startup Directory
11. Full Programme Index - NZ Government Startup & SME Support (2026)
Complete reference list of all active government grants, co-funding, equity, and immigration programmes supporting NZ startups and SMEs in 2026.
Programme | Support Type | Provider | Description | Official Link |
Self-Employment Start-up Payment | Grant | MSD - Work and Income | Up to $10,000 for essential start-up costs, for founders starting from unemployment. | |
Flexi-Wage for Self-Employment | Grant | MSD - Work and Income | $600/week for up to 28 weeks (max $16,800) wage subsidy for early-stage founders. | |
Business Training & Advice Grant | Grant | MSD - Work and Income | Up to $5,000/year for approved training, coaching, or professional advice. | |
R&D Experience Grant | Grant | Innovation Services (MBIE) | Funds a student intern for 400 hours of R&D work. $11,580 + GST per intern. | |
R&D Career Grant | Grant | Innovation Services (MBIE) | 6 months of a graduate's salary in a first R&D role. $30K (master's) or $35K (PhD). | |
New to R&D Grant | Co-funding | Innovation Services (MBIE) | 40% co-funding up to $400,000 for a company's first substantial R&D project. | |
RBP Management Capability Voucher | Co-funding | NZTE / MBIE via RBP | 50% subsidy up to $5,000/year for management training. Accessed via RBP Growth Advisor. | |
Startup and Founder Support Programme | Advisory & incubation | Innovation Services (MBIE) via delivery partners | Free government-co-funded incubators and accelerators for early-stage tech founders. | |
Business Mentors NZ | Advisory | Business Mentors NZ (MBIE-supported) | 6-12 months of mentoring from experienced business operators. $295 + GST registration fee. | |
Māori Business Growth Support | Advisory | Te Puni Kōkiri | One-on-one TPK regional advisor support for Māori-owned businesses from launch through growth. | |
Māori Development Fund | Funding | Te Puni Kōkiri | Grants for Iwi and Māori businesses and organisations. $40.21M/yr from Budget 2025. No fixed funding rounds - contact your nearest TPK regional office. | |
Māori Business Networks | Advisory | Te Puni Kōkiri | Regional Māori business networks offering peer support and sector connections, via TPK partnerships. | |
He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund | Co-funding (Māori) | MBIE | Funds Māori-led science and innovation through two streams: Ara Whaihua (~$2.1M, 12-month commercialisation-ready projects) and Rangapū Rangahau (~$6.5M, 2-year capability and network-building partnerships). ~$8.6M per annual round. For Māori-facing organisations and research organisations, not individual founders. | |
NZ Export Credit - Guarantees & Insurance | Export support | The Treasury - NZEC | Trade credit insurance and loan guarantees for NZ exporters. Crown-backed to $740M. | |
NZGCP - Aspire NZ Seed Fund | Equity investment | NZ Growth Capital Partners | Government seed co-investment alongside angels into early-stage NZ tech startups. | |
NZGCP - Elevate NZ Venture Fund | Equity investment | NZ Growth Capital Partners | $400M+ fund-of-funds backing NZ VC managers for Series A/B rounds ($2M-$20M). | |
R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) | Tax credit | IRD + MBIE | 15% tax credit on eligible R&D expenditure. Min $50,000 spend. Cap $120M. | |
Business Investor Work Visa | Immigration | Immigration New Zealand | 4-year work visa for investors buying into existing NZ businesses. $1M or $2M pathways. Pathway to residency. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Callaghan Innovation? Callaghan Innovation was disestablished on 1 December 2025. All grants and startup programmes transferred to MBIE and now operate under Innovation Services, administered by MBIE at funds.business.govt.nz. The same teams are delivering the same programmes - the agency name and URLs have changed. The Crown entity itself is expected to be formally wound up around July 2026.
Are the Callaghan Innovation links still working? Some redirect, some don't. Use the funds.business.govt.nz links in this directory. Relying on old callaghaninnovation.govt.nz links risks landing on a defunct or redirected page.
What government grants are available for NZ startups in 2026? The primary grants for tech startups are the R&D Experience Grant and R&D Career Grant, both now via Innovation Services / MBIE. For early-stage founders from unemployment, Work and Income offers the Self-Employment Start-up Payment (up to $10,000) and Flexi-Wage (up to $16,800). The Ārohia grants - Evidence Grant and Trailblazer Grant - closed in December 2025.
What is the RBP Network and do I have to use it? The Regional Business Partner Network is a free government-funded service that matches founders with Growth Advisors. Some programmes, including the RBP Capability Voucher, can only be accessed through an RBP Growth Advisor assessment. It's free, and it is genuinely useful - most founders underuse it.
Is the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI) still available in 2026? Yes. The RDTI is unchanged following Budget 2025. It provides a 15% tax credit on eligible R&D expenditure, with a minimum spend of $50,000. It is now jointly delivered by MBIE and Inland Revenue rather than Callaghan Innovation and IRD.
Can I still use the Entrepreneur Work Visa to move to NZ and start a company? No. The Entrepreneur Work Visa closed to new applicants on 26 August 2025. The replacement, the Business Investor Work Visa, requires investment in an existing established NZ business - not a new startup. If you are planning to relocate to NZ to found a startup, seek immigration advice to identify the right pathway for your situation.
How do I access NZGCP / Aspire funding? You don't apply to Aspire directly. Aspire invests alongside VCs and angel syndicates. The way in is typically through NZ angel networks and VCs - Angel HQ, Flying Kiwi Angels, Movac, and others. NZGCP then co-invests alongside them.
What support exists specifically for Māori founders? Te Puni Kōkiri delivers the Māori Development Fund ($40.21M/yr) and one-on-one business growth advisor support. Māori founders can also access regional Māori business networks and the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund via MBIE (for Māori-facing organisations working in science and innovation). Some RBP hubs also have Pasifika-focused advisors.
⚡ This is one of ten founder-first directories on WFW. From capital and accelerators to tools, perks, and service providers — the full directory suite maps everything NZ founders need to build, fund, and scale. → See all WFW Directories
🚨 This page is in beta while the WFW team collects feedback. Some information may be incomplete.