Over 1,000 startups a year will receive free coaching under the relaunched initiative
The New Zealand government has relaunched its flagship startup support initiative, appointing 14 providers to deliver coaching, incubation, and acceleration services to founders across the country.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has completed procurement for the Founder & Startup Support Program (FSSP), selecting a mix of national and regional organisations to support entrepreneurs at different stages of growth.
The 14 appointed providers cover a range of functions. Among those delivering incubator and accelerator programs are Auckland Council, Creative HQ, Ministry of Awesome, Ocean Impact Organisation, Sprout Agritech, Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust (Tapuwae Roa), and The Factory.
Providers delivering events and resources include COIN South, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Northland Inc, Soda Inc, Startup Dunedin, Startup Queenstown Lakes, and Venture Taranaki.
Ministry of Awesome and Creative HQ will jointly deliver Startup Aotearoa.
Wide reach, targeted outcomes
The refreshed network will collectively reach more than 1,000 startups annually through Startup Aotearoa, which offers up to 10 hours of free coaching per venture. A further 150 high-growth startups will receive more intensive support through specialist incubator and accelerator programs each year.
Jenny Douché, Founder and Startup Manager at MBIE, said the selection process was designed to ensure broad coverage across regions and sectors.
"We've selected a strong mix of providers with proven experience supporting founders at different stages of their journey," Douché said. "Together, they form a nationally coordinated network that can deliver high-quality support across many regions and sectors."
The program is framed around both economic and social outcomes. MBIE said it expects the initiative to lift startup survival rates, accelerate revenue generation, support capital raising, and contribute to job creation and regional economic development.
Douché added that the program was designed to support ambitious founders wherever they are based.
"There is a wide range of support available," she said. "We expect these programs will continue to increase startup survival and growth, and help with capital raising, revenue generation, job creation, and stronger regional economies."
Inclusion is also a priority. The program includes targeted support for Māori founders, women, and other underrepresented groups in the startup ecosystem.
New contracts took effect from 1 July 2026, with an initial two-year term and options to extend. MBIE said providers will be subject to ongoing performance monitoring, with clear measures tracking commercialisation progress, revenue, capital raised, and jobs created.
MBIE said it will continue working with providers and the wider ecosystem to evolve the program over time.
