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Assistance for Māori Tourism Business Operators

Funding Assistance

Click on the following links to go to each section of this page:

• Technology for Business Growth
• New Economy Research Fund
• Grants for Private Sector Research and Development
• Enterprise Development Grants
• Escalator Scheme

Technology for Business Growth

This programme provides funding for innovative technological developments, which result in the business moving towards high-value, high-margin products, processes or services, and/or markets. Funding is available for up to 50% of project research and development (R&D) costs. This may include funding for experienced researchers or students to work on R&D projects.

The Technology for Business Growth (TBG) funding should be a good investment opportunity when compared with the sales income and the technology advance. The company should be capable of funding its share of project cost and subsequent commercialisation costs. Typical projects range upwards from $20,000 (total project cost) up to large projects exceeding $800,000.

For further information, contact Technology New Zealand

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New Economy Research Fund

The intent of the New Economy Research Fund (NERF) is to invest in basic research with a focus on developing knowledge and capability to support the development of new, and emerging, Research, Science &Technology intensive enterprises in New Zealand.

Through NERF, the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST) is looking to make some high risk and (potentially) high return investments, so FRST invests in exciting, leading-edge, basic research.

Technology New Zealand (TechNZ) is part of the Foundation of Research and Science Technology (FRST).

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Grants for Private Sector Research and Development

These grants support the technological or technical development of a new product, process or service in small and medium sized firms. The scheme is administered by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology alongside other Technology New Zealand schemes. The GPSRD Scheme is targeted at firms who are making a new investment in Research and Development (R&D). The grant will meet one third of a firm’s investment in a new R&D project to a maximum of $100,000 including GST. The minimum grant value is $10,000 including GST.

For more information, 

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Enterprise Development Grants

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Enterprise Development Grants aim to assist entrepreneurs and companies to gain additional business skills and obtain external expertise and assistance in developing business projects. Entrepreneurs, start-ups and individual businesses can apply for a grant of up to $20,000 (GST inclusive) per June-July financial year to:

• engage the services of a business mentor (maximum NZTE contribution $3000 GST inclusive)
• undertake advanced management or technology-based training (maximum NZTE contribution $3000 GST inclusive)
• employ specialised advice and expertise on well-defined projects or concepts that lead towards enhanced capability, profitability and international competitiveness
• Undertake international market development activities related to investigating a new market and/or participating at a trade fair.

Please note: additional assistance is available to groups of three or more companies under the Enterprise Networks Programme for building business capability and/or undertaking international market development activity. As the Enterprise Development Grants budget is limited, not all applications will be successful and the fact that an application meets basic entry criteria does not guarantee a grant. Grants are offered on a 50:50 reimbursement basis. They can be used for a wide variety of activity, but some costs considered to be normal operational expenses will not be covered.

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Escalator Scheme

The Escalator service has been developed to address one of the main hurdles to growth for the thousands of businesses and entrepreneurs in New Zealand – the lack of access to and understanding of equity/venture capital or strategic partnerships. It replaces the former Investment Ready Scheme.

It is aimed at assisting business growth by providing innovative small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurial New Zealanders who need capital to expand, diversify or commercialise a new concept with skills and assistance to pursue investment opportunities.

Through the Escalator service participants can develop a greater understanding of the issues around funding their business growth, learn when additional investment is needed and how to access it.  Some may also gain help in securing equity capital and/or a strategic partnership.

Contact New Zealand Trade and Enterprise:

For enquiries, contact: