Supporting Kiwi startups

We've partnered with Ministry of Awesome to better support Kiwi startup businesses to succeed. This is fostering a thriving future economy to make Kiwi better off.

Meeting startups where they're at

We’ve partnered with Ministry of Awesome to connect with and support Aotearoa’s most ambitious founders. Together, we're designing ways to address common early-stage business challenges, like inability to meet traditional borrowing criteria and perceptions of being too high risk to secure finance.

One of our key initiatives is StartUp+, a pilot initiative designed for Kiwi startups in the crucial early stages of business development. StartUp+ aims to remove barriers to bank lending and unlock practical ways to meet the unique needs of early-stage businesses through progress-based borrowing and tailored business banking support.

Making Kiwi better off

Startups aren’t just businesses; they're the driving force behind New Zealand’s future economy, playing a pivotal role in job creation and long-term economic growth.

By supporting early-stage businesses, we’ll continue to foster innovation, productivity, and growth within New Zealand. This is good for business, our communities and Aotearoa.

MOA-logo-general-text-250px-width

Ministry of Awesome empowers Kiwi startup businesses and entrepreneurs with advisory support, expert mentorship, and strategic connections.

StartUp+

StartUp+ is a pilot initiative designed to meet the unique needs of early-stage businesses. It includes:

  • Progress-based borrowing where stages of funding are agreed as business goals are met
  • Discounted interest rates on borrowing up to $150,000 over two years
  • Waived account fees on Business Edge accounts
  • Tailored banking support with dedicated business specialists

Eligibility

Businesses participating in the pilot must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a startup or early-stage business with short-term growth plans and specific goals
  • Have completed, or are currently completing, an accelerator programme with Ministry of Awesome
  • Require funding of up to $150,000, which will be used to achieve an agreed goal or purpose
  • Have been trading for less than 24 months

How to apply

For the pilot, we’ll only be considering startups associated with Ministry of Awesome. If you're not eligible yet, check back soon — updates will be made here when broader applications open.

Submit an expression of interest

If you meet the eligibility criteria, email startup@kiwibank.co.nz

Don't meet the eligibility criteria?

We may still be able to help. Email business.banking@kiwibank.co.nz

Kiwibank's eligibility criteria, lending criteria, terms and conditions, and fees apply.