Updated June 2026

Business grants NZ: start with the pathway, not the programme name

Many New Zealand business owners search for grants when the real route may be RDTI, export support, sector support, bank finance, capital or adviser-led preparation.

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Short answer. This page is a route-map guide, not an eligibility assessment. Use it to decide which official source or adviser to check first.

What counts as a business grant?

Some pathways are actual grants. Others are tax credits, rebates, co-funding, research partnerships, export support, sector support, debt finance or investment. Treating all of them as “grants” can send a business down the wrong track.

Main pathways to check

  • MBIE Innovation Services R&D grants
  • RDTI and R&D tax loss credit
  • NZTE export and growth support
  • MPI and sector-specific pathways
  • EECA energy and decarbonisation support
  • NZGCP, angels and venture capital
  • bank and asset finance

Common mistakes

  • assuming every funding route is a grant
  • applying before project scope and budget are clear
  • ignoring matched-funding requirements
  • chasing closed or legacy programme names

Best next step

Use a pathway check first, then check the official source. Where tax, legal, capital or grant-writing issues are involved, speak with the relevant adviser before acting.

Official sources to check

Business.govt.nz funding and supportFunding pathways libraryIRD RDTI

Sources and review status

Last reviewed: June 2026.

Official sources checked: IRD, MBIE, business.govt.nz, NZTE, NZGCP, EECA and MPI, as relevant.

NZ Funding Pathways is a free resource funded by PH Capital Advisory.

General information only. Check the current official source and speak with the relevant adviser before acting.

This page provides general information only. It does not provide tax, accounting, legal, financial, investment or eligibility advice, and it does not guarantee funding.