8 Tips For Pitching to Government Grants and Programs for Startup Funding

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Table of Contents

• 1. Research the Available Government Grants and Programs
• 2. Understand the Government Grants’ Objectives
• 3. Understand the Application Process for Government Grants
• 4. Know Your Legal Compliance Requirements
• 5. Craft a Compelling Business Proposal
• 6. Provide a Detailed Budget
• 7. Showcase Your Impact
• 8. Explain Your Intellectual Property Strategy 
• Key Takeaways

The New Zealand government offers various government grants and programs to support startups. These grants are excellent opportunities to fund your new business with the resources it needs to survive. However, applying for these grants can be complex and requires careful planning. This article will take you through eight tips for pitching your startup for funding opportunities.

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1. Research the Available Government Grants and Programs

First, you must understand what grants and programs are available to New Zealand startups. There is a wide range of grants available, each of which has different:

• eligibility criteria;
• focus areas; and
• funding amounts. 

The wide variety of available grants means you must first identify which opportunities best suit you. 

2. Understand the Government Grants’ Objectives

Government grants and programs typically have specific objectives and priorities. As such, you should have a pitch that clearly articulates how your startup aligns with these priorities to warrant granting you the funding. You must highlight how your startup can contribute to the program’s goals and address the identified challenges. 

3. Understand the Application Process for Government Grants

Each grant or program will have its own application process, including:

• deadlines; 
• required documentation; and 
• evaluation criteria.

You must ensure you understand the entire application process and carefully note deadlines. Missing deadlines may result in your application being rejected.

4. Know Your Legal Compliance Requirements

Pitching your startup for government funding requires you to demonstrate a sound understanding of your legal obligations and compliance requirements. You should emphasise that you have a deep knowledge of:

• tax reporting obligations;
• intellectual property protection;
• employment laws;
• rules and regulations that apply to your specific industry; and
• any contractual agreements you have entered into. 

Demonstrated knowledge in each of these areas will appeal to those in charge of delegating funding.

5. Craft a Compelling Business Proposal

Your business proposal will be at the heart of any grant and funding pitch. As such, it should be well-structured and persuasive. Your business proposal should include the following: 

6. Provide a Detailed Budget

Government grant applications will almost always require a detailed budget outlining how you plan to use the funding. You should be realistic in these budget projections. Some other key expenses to break down include costs relating to:

• personnel; 
• marketing;
• research and development; and
• any other costs you expect to incur. 

You should explain how the grant funds will be allocated to each category of costs to the best of your ability.

7. Showcase Your Impact

Government grants and funding will usually prioritise projects that can significantly impact New Zealand’s social or economic landscape. For example, many grants available to early-stage startups are aimed at supporting projects that focus on sustainability. As such, you should articulate the impact your startup could potentially have on New Zealand in the long term and how these comply with New Zealand’s legal landscape.

8. Explain Your Intellectual Property Strategy 

The New Zealand government’s grants and programs are essentially investments. Like all investments, investors want to feel confident in your ability to utilise funds properly. This requires you to show a commitment to your idea. 

One way to do this is to highlight your intellectual property (IP) strategy in your pitch. This will not only show that you are aware of the importance of IP protection, but it will also show that you have innovative goods or services worth investing in.

Key Takeaways

Securing funding from New Zealand government grants and programs can significantly boost the growth and development of your startup. However, these grants and programs can be extremely competitive. Some essential tips for pitching to New Zealand include: 

• research the available grants and programs;
• understand the program’s objectives;
• understand the application process;
• know your legal compliance requirements;
• craft a compelling business proposal;
• provide a detailed budget;
• showcase your impact; and
• explain your intellectual property strategy.

If you need assistance understanding how to obtain grants to fund your New Zealand startup, you can contact our experienced startup lawyers to assist as part of our LegalVision membership. You will have unlimited access to lawyers who can answer your questions and draft and review your documents for a low monthly fee. Call us today at 0800 005 570 or visit our membership page.