Hey Ōtepoti Dunedin, ready to kick off 2026 with action?

New year, new opportunities! If you've been sitting on an idea or need that extra push to take your project to the next level, now's the time.

At Startup Dunedin, we define a startup as a series of small experiments until you find a repeatable business model that works, and that people will want (and pay for!). That's why our Microgrants are back, small funding injections (typically $500-$2,000) to help you experiment and learn.

Whether you're looking to buy critical equipment, make prototypes, run a product trial, get in front of new customers, or tackle specific challenges holding you back, this funding is designed to help you test your concepts and move forward.

We just want to know:

• what you’re working on

• what you would like to learn with the funding and

•  where you’re hoping to be in a few years time. 

Note: We know there are a lot of different words used to describe a startup, business, not-for-profit, or social enterprise; for the purpose of this we’ll use “startup project” to capture all of the above.

Applications for our Microgrants are open now
and will close on the 9th of February at 10am, 2026.

What is a microgrant?

We are looking for startup projects that could use some financial assistance to test their idea with a microgrant. We have a total fund of $10,000 available, with suggested amounts for applicants being anywhere between $500 and $2,000 - depending on what you’re going to use it for, as each applicant will have different needs.

This is a one-off funding round to support you, Ōtepoti, to grow your ideas and learn by doing in a safe, supported way. Our goal is to encourage Dunedin-based founders to plan an experiment and run it to understand more about their business model or market. 

What costs can the microgrant cover?

The funding is to be used to run an experiment to learn more or test something about your startup; this could include purchasing critical equipment, running a product trial, organising a focus group, making a prototype or an MVP (minimum viable product), and more.

What costs are not covered by this microgrant?

This funding is specifically targeting early-stage innovators and founders in Ōtepoti, and it is not intended to help you as part of a larger funding round; this fund is not able to be combined with other funds, e.g. the Hapori Fund. Likewise, marketing costs for brand awareness or unspecified exposure are not included in this fund.

Who can apply?  

Founders/ innovators in Dunedin can apply if:

• Your startup is based here in Dunedin.

• You can outline which aspect of your startup you hope to test.

• You have a rough idea of how much it will cost.

• You understand your learning outcomes.

• You can explain how this opportunity will impact and build on your wider idea.

• You have connected into support services for founders and new businesses in Dunedin e.g. Startup Dunedin, Kuma, Business South, the Dunedin City Council, IRD.

What we’re not looking for

Applying is super easy!

Just download the form (below), book a meeting with us and then email it to meet@startupdunedin.nz.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can anyone apply?

  • Our mission is to help Ōtepoti startups succeed or fail faster, so we’ve got some simple criteria for applicants - scroll up to see the checklist.

• How much can I apply for?

  • Our grants are intended to be small cash injections - it is entirely up to you and your experiment, but suggested amounts could be something to the tune of $500 - $2000. How much you apply for should depend on what you plan to use it for.

• Will you be taking any equity for the startups who receive funding?

  • Nope. Never.

• Who funds Startup Dunedin?

  • We’re lucky to have support from our three core sponsors, Dunedin City Council, Otago Polytechnic, and University of Otago.