The key issue
Startup funding is not one category. A startup may need non-dilutive support, a tax credit, angel or venture capital, bank finance, customer revenue, a research partner or a founder capability programme.
Common first checks
- RDTI if there is genuine eligible R&D activity and evidence
- New to R&D if the company is building formal R&D capability for the first time
- Startup and founder support for early capability and validation
- NZGCP, angels or VC where the business is venture-backable
- Sector support where the startup maps to food, healthtech, agritech, energy, games or manufacturing
When grants may be weak-fit
Generic grant searching is often weak where the company has no defined project, no budget, no matched funding capacity, no technical uncertainty or no clear next milestone.
What to prepare
- project summary
- 12-month budget
- technical uncertainty statement if R&D is involved
- use-of-funds summary if capital is involved
- evidence of traction or customer need
Official sources to check
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.