Templates to make your startup real and credible — before a team, investors, or equity come into play.
These resources help you launch, operate legally in New Zealand, apply for government grants/visas, and protect your early work and relationships without giving up ownership.
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🚨 Disclaimer: The resources on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Use of these materials does not create a lawyer–client relationship. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified New Zealand lawyer.
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****** International templates are included for reference and adaptation but may require localisation for New Zealand legal and commercial context.*
| Template | What it Is | Use When | Link / Full URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founders’ Agreement (International) | A document that outlines early founder roles and mutual expectations. | At co-founder formation, before equity is formally issued. | https://www.law.upenn.edu/clinic/entrepreneurship/startupkit/founders-agreement.pdf |
| Business Plan (NZ) | A strategic document that explains your business model, goals, and execution. A free downloadable template and guidance. | Before launch; when applying for structured support or preparing to engage support/advisors. | https://www.business.govt.nz/browse-our-resource-library/business-planning-online-learning/business-plan-template |
| Quick Focus Business Plan (NZ) | A shorter, quick-to-complete business plan for early strategy focus. | When you want a lighter plan to clarify strategy or refresh your thinking. | https://www.business.govt.nz/browse-our-resource-library/quick-focus-business-plan-template |
| Financial Plan Template (NZ) | A structured financial forecast you can complete as part of planning. | When building projections or preparing financial sections of your business planning documents. | https://www.business.govt.nz/browse-our-resource-library/financial-plan-template |
| Government Grants & Support Info (NZ) | Guidance on non-dilutive funding and support available from NZ agencies. | When considering grant applications, training support, and other government help. | https://www.business.govt.nz/tax-and-money/getting-government-grants/government-grants-and-help-for-your-business |
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| Confidentiality Agreement (NDA) (NZ) | A legal document to protect sensitive information shared with others. | Before sharing proprietary details with collaborators or advisors. | https://my.nzte.govt.nz/article/using-confidentiality-or-non-disclosure-agreements-NDAs#text_download_a_sample_agreement |
| Basic Compliance Checklist (NZ) | A checklist of statutory requirements and reporting obligations. | Immediately after company incorporation to stay compliant. | https://www.business.govt.nz/business-stage-or-type/starting-a-business/5-step-guide-to-starting-a-business |
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| Website Terms of Service (NZ) | Terms governing use of your website, including liability limits and governing law. | Before launching a public website or product. | https://legalvision.co.nz/documents/website-terms-and-conditions/ |
| Proof of Concept Contract (International) | Sets the scope, duration, and responsibilities of a customer pilot or proof of concept without committing either party to a full commercial contract. | When running a pilot, trial, or proof of concept with a customer before signing a long-term services or SaaS agreement. | https://siliconflatirons.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Proof-of-Concept-Contract.pdf |
| Customer Services Agreement (NZ) | A simple agreement for delivering paid services or early customer work. | When signing your first paying customers or pilots. | https://legalvision.co.nz/documents/nz-services-agreement/ |
| Privacy Statement Generator (NZ) | A tool to help you create a NZ-compliant privacy policy. | Before launching a product that collects personal data. | https://www.privacy.org.nz/responsibilities/privacy-statement-generator |
| Invoice Template (NZ) | A standard invoice format including GST and payment terms. | When billing customers for products or services. | https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/new-zealand-invoice-template.html |
Most NZ startups access government support before they raise private capital — but the system is hard to navigate without inside knowledge.
Built by Mark Robinson (VentureNest, ex-Callaghan Innovation), this Expert Edition shows founders how to map, sequence, and win non-dilutive funding — and pairs with a complete directory of live NZ government grants and support.