Funding scenario

Exporting SME

A fictional worked example showing how this kind of business might separate its funding routes. It is illustrative only, not advice about any real company.

Illustrative only. This scenario is fictional and general. Your own answers in the free check will produce a different pathway snapshot.

What they are trying to fund

Market entry, customer development, compliance and the working capital that growth demands.

Likely first route: Export and growth support (NZTE)

Where the main challenge is market entry, capability and customer development, export support may be more relevant than a grant. It depends on having a specific target market and milestone.

Worth checking next: Capital, if growth needs working capital

Export support is not working capital. If the real need is inventory, hiring or offshore setup, the question is capital readiness.

Weak-fit routes

Using export support to solve a cash gap, and raising capital before the market and milestone are specific.

Documents to prepare

  • Target market summary and traction
  • Export plan and six-month milestone
  • Working-capital and growth budget
  • Capability gaps

Adviser handoff

QuestionBest first conversation
Is export support relevant?NZTE or an export adviser
Is this really a capital problem?Capital adviser
What does growth need in cash?Accountant

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.