NZ Government Grants & Support for Startups and SMEs (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 No guesswork, no outdated Callaghan links.
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⚠️ 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The Entrepreneur Work Visa closed to new applicants on 26 August 2025 and has been replaced by the Business Investor Work Visa (open from 24 November 2025).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.
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Programme lists:
Next step → The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting the Most Out of NZ Government Support
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:
https://www.business.govt.nz/strategy-and-performance/regional-business-partner-network/find-your-local-regional-business-partner
From a Growth Advisor meeting, you can: