Te Au Pūngao Microgrants 2026

$500-$2,000 to fuel your startup experiment

Rolling applications • 3-week decisions • No repayment • No equity

OPEN - $10,000 available for 2026

What's a Microgrant?

A microgrant is $500-$2,000 to run one focused experiment that validates a critical assumption about your startup.

We're looking for founders building businesses that can scale beyond Marlborough, not lifestyle businesses or one-off projects, but ventures with genuine innovation and growth ambition.

The Grant

  • $500-$2,000 funding
  • 50% upfront, 50% at checkpoint
  • Zero repayment
  • Zero equity

What We Fund

  • Equipment & prototypes
  • Market validation
  • MVP development
  • Product trials & testing

Who Can Apply?

We're looking for innovative startups with high-growth potential

This programme targets new businesses that are innovative, scalable, and have genuine ambition for growth. We want to support founders building something that can expand beyond Marlborough and make a real impact.

You're a great fit if you have:

  • ✓ Marlborough base - Located in the region
  • ✓ Innovation at the core - New approach, technology, or solution
  • ✓ Scalability potential - Can grow beyond local market
  • ✓ Growth ambition - Building for significant impact
  • ✓ Clear experiment - Specific plan for the funding

This funding is NOT for:

  • ✗ Founders based outside Marlborough region
  • ✗ One-off projects or events with no ongoing business
  • ✗ Applications without a specific plan or goal
  • ✗ Startups already raising angel or VC funding
  • ✗ Lifestyle businesses without growth ambition

We prioritise startups in sectors where Marlborough has competitive advantages:

AgriTech / VitTech • Climate & Sustainability Tech • Aquaculture Innovation • Tourism Tech • Indigenous Innovation

Other sectors? Make your case. We're open to compelling ideas.

How to Apply

3-week decision timeline • Fast-track available for urgent needs

1

Download the Application Form

Simple 8-question form. Takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Outline your experiment, budget, and learning goals.

Download Application Form

By applying you agree to the full terms and conditions.

2

Submit Your Application

Email your completed form to grants. Include any supporting materials (prototypes, feedback, research).

3

Review & Decision

Week 1: Initial team review
Week 2: Panel scoring (may include brief call)
Week 3: Decision + constructive feedback

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do rolling applications work?
A: Apply whenever you're ready. We review continuously. Once the $10,000 is allocated, we close for 2026. First-come advantage applies so don't wait.
Q: Do I need to be a registered company?
A: No. This is for early-stage ideas. Incorporation isn't required.
Q: What if my experiment shows the idea won't work?
A: That's a win. Learning is the goal. We celebrate pivots and new directions.
Q: Will you take equity?
A: Never. This is a true grant, not an investment.
Q: Can I reapply if unsuccessful?
A: Yes. Wait 3 months, refine your approach, and submit again with a meaningfully different proposal.
Q: What can't I fund?
A: General marketing, salaries, rent, retrospective costs, or combining with other grants.
Q: Where does the funding come from?
A: Te Au Pūngao Microgrants are made possible through funding from Whiringa Ltd. They are not government grants and are independent of any Marlborough District Council funding programmes.
Q: Can I contribute funding?
A: Yes. We welcome contributions from individuals and organisations who want to support innovation and early-stage ideas. Please contact louisa@whiringa.com for more information on how to contribute.

Ready to Start?

Your next steps:

  1. 1. Download the application form
  2. 2. Complete the questions (15-20 minutes)
  3. 3. Submit to grants@teaupungao.com
  4. 4. Hear back within 3 weeks
Download Application Form

Read the full terms and conditions