Updated June 2026

Government funding for startups NZ: what should you check first?

Government funding for startups is not one application. It may involve R&D grants, RDTI, startup support, export support, sector pathways or no government funding yet.

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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.

Main government-related routes

  • Startup and founder support
  • New to R&D Grant
  • R&D Experience and Career Grants
  • RDTI
  • NZTE export support
  • sector support through MPI, EECA, NZFIN or other bodies

When a startup may be too early

A startup may be too early for funding where it has no defined project, no technical uncertainty, no budget, no co-funding capacity, no traction and no clear next milestone.

What to prepare first

  • one-page project summary
  • 12-month budget
  • business stage and revenue
  • technical uncertainty if R&D is involved
  • target market or customer evidence

What not to assume

Do not assume government funding is faster or cheaper than customer revenue, founder funding, bank finance or capital. The pathway should fit the business decision.

Official sources to check

Business.govt.nz startup supportInnovation fundingRDTI

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.