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.
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⚠️ 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.
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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:
💡 You don’t need a polished pitch — just a clear view of what you're building and where support is needed.
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💲 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/
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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) | https://www.ird.govt.nz | 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) | https://www.mbie.govt.nz | NZ’s central economic development ministry. Oversees policy and funding for innovation, Māori economic development, and startup support. |
| Callaghan Innovation | https://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz | 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) | https://web.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/business/ |
https://www.business.govt.nz/how-to-grow/regional-business-partner-network/find-your-local-regional-business-partner | A network of 15 regional hubs connecting SMEs with advisors, capability vouchers, and referrals to support services. | | New Zealand Chamber of Commerce | https://www.newzealandchambers.co.nz/ | A nationwide network of regional business organisations that support SMEs and startups with advocacy, networking, business advice, and access to government-funded programs. | | Business.govt.nz | https://www.business.govt.nz | 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) | https://www.workandincome.govt.nz | Provides grants and subsidies for people starting businesses from unemployment or low-income positions. | | Business Mentors New Zealand | https://www.businessmentors.org.nz | Matches small business owners with experienced mentors. Offers government-supported startup and SME mentoring. | | Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development) | https://www.tpk.govt.nz | Supports Māori-owned businesses with funding, business advisors, and growth support programs. | | NZ Growth Capital Partners (NZGCP) | https://www.nzgcp.co.nz | Government-owned VC platform. Manages the Aspire Seed Fund and Elevate Fund to support startup funding. | | NZ Export Credit (NZEC) | https://exportcredit.treasury.govt.nz | NZ’s export credit agency. Provides loan guarantees, contract guarantees, and insurance for SME exporters. | | Immigration New Zealand | https://www.immigration.govt.nz | Administers the Entrepreneur Work Visa for overseas founders establishing businesses in NZ. |