<aside>

Understand the system, who to talk to first, and which support streams to prioritise.


1. How the Government Support System Works (In Plain English)

Understand how NZ startup funding works — from MBIE to NZGCP — and where to start as a founder.

Break down how NZ's interconnected government startup support system really works — who to engage, when, and why.

🏁 Start Here: Set Up and Direction

Regional Business Partner Network Your first port of call. Book a session with a Growth Advisor https://web.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/business/registration
MSD (Work & Income) Startup grants for founders coming off benefits. https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/flexi-wage-for-self-employment.html

Stage Two: Capability Building and Market Prep

NZTE Export strategy and capability development. https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/exporter-education
Te Puni Kōkiri Support for Māori entrepreneurs https://www.tpk.govt.nz/en/whakamahia/maori-business-growth-support
Business Mentors NZ General mentoring support https://www.businessmentors.org.nz/

Stage Three: Product Development, R&D, and Capital

Callaghan Innovation R&D and innovation grants https://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/products/fund/
MBIE Central government funding source https://www.mbie.govt.nz/
New Zealand Growth Capital Partners Government-backed venture capital https://www.nzgcp.co.nz/

<aside> <img src="notion://custom_emoji/8c512b4b-3b9c-48d6-9077-f4e1229f1ddd/1cfb7f25-b3aa-80e3-8e0b-007abddcf69f" alt="notion://custom_emoji/8c512b4b-3b9c-48d6-9077-f4e1229f1ddd/1cfb7f25-b3aa-80e3-8e0b-007abddcf69f" width="40px" />

NZ Government Support for Startups &SMEs Directory (2025)

</aside>


2. Quick Start: Who You Should Talk to First

Get government funding and capability support faster by booking your RBP Growth Advisor session — the first step for all NZ startups.

🚨 Do This First

<aside>

Book a Free Call With Your Regional Business Partner

Start your funding journey with a free session from a Regional Business Partner (RBP) Growth Advisor.

https://web.regionalbusinesspartners.co.nz/business/registration

</aside>

<aside> <img src="notion://custom_emoji/8c512b4b-3b9c-48d6-9077-f4e1229f1ddd/233b7f25-b3aa-805e-82c7-007a72f417ea" alt="notion://custom_emoji/8c512b4b-3b9c-48d6-9077-f4e1229f1ddd/233b7f25-b3aa-805e-82c7-007a72f417ea" width="40px" />

No pitch needed — just know the problem you are solving, the solution you're building and where you're stuck - “what is your ask”.

</aside>


3. Non-Financial Support You Shouldn’t Ignore