Funding scenario

Food or beverage business

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

Product development, food-safety and compliance work, production capacity and market growth.

Likely first route: Sector support first

Food and beverage often has sector-specific support, facilities and specialist advisers. Checking the sector route can be more useful than a generic grant search.

Worth checking next: RDTI or asset finance, depending on the spend

Genuine product reformulation may touch RDTI, while production capacity is usually an asset finance question. Separate the two.

Weak-fit routes

Generic grant searching before checking the sector route, and assuming product work automatically qualifies for RDTI.

Documents to prepare

  • Project or capability gap summary
  • Food-safety and compliance requirements
  • Production and equipment costs
  • Any genuine R&D activity and records

Adviser handoff

QuestionBest first conversation
Is there a sector route?The relevant sector agency or adviser
Is any of this eligible R&D?RDTI adviser or accountant
How is capacity financed?Bank or asset finance provider

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.