All returning applicants for investment funding need to talk to their Business Adviser before re-applying. Please call 0800 4POUTAMA (0800 476 882) before submitting an application.
Poutama takes a flexible approach to how we can use our funding to invest into a business. The key thing we look for is how the funding will help develop and grow a business over and above what we consider ‘business as usual’ activities.
Ideally, Poutama would like to see your business in action and get a good understanding of the key business issues and challenges you face. If possible, we’re more than happy to visit your business or talk with you virtually, on the phone, via email or through our social media channels.
Once we have a good understanding of your business we can then better determine how Poutama’s investment services can best assist to meet your business aspirations. Sometimes this may mean applying our investment services in a way that wasn’t initially envisioned. However, it is important to keep in mind that Poutama’s investment into your business is of a limited amount. Given this, we want to ensure that the investment is applied in a way that will be of maximum benefit to your business.
Poutama is reasonably flexible on the types of activities we can support. The main thing for you to be aware of is how a grant will positively impact and help grow your business. Poutama will work alongside you to ensure that both your investment and our investment are used for maximum benefit for your business. Given that demand on Poutama’s investment services often exceeds our ability to supply, you need to consider carefully how Poutama’s investment services can help. We encourage you to make contact with us to explore possibilities.
Our Poutama funding can potentially cover:
Innovative business development ideas
e.g. International/national trade missions; protection of intellectual property rights; feasibility studies; prototype development and concept design; business development planning, consultancy and advice.
Purchase products and/or services that will help with business growth and sustainability
e.g. specialty equipment; website development; software and IT systems; promotional and marketing materials; leveraging funds to access hire purchase/ leasing services or deposit to assist with gaining finance.
Products and/or services must be industry specific and over and above normal business operational costs. Applicants should demonstrate how the investment will help with business growth and sustainability.
Obtain business development training to upskill management and staff
e.g. short business courses for business owners; management support by independent advisors or experts; industry specific training to up-skill staff and owners.
There are a number of conditions and criteria to our grant funding.
These are outlined below, please take the time to read and understand what these.
Key criteria and conditions of our grants funding:
Grant Value
Available on a 50-50 basis up to a maximum of $10,000.
Of the total sum required, you must come up with a proportion of the amount that is at least equal to what Poutama is asked to fund. For example, if the total amount is $6,000, Poutama contributes $3,000 and you come up with $3,000. Or if the total amount is $30,000, Poutama contributes $10,000 and you come up with $20,000.
Lifetime
A business can apply up to three times or receive a maximum of $30,000 over their business lifetime.
Māori ownership
At least 50 percent.
Operations
Business has been operating for more than 12 months.
Documentation
A business plan and financial statements.
Annual turn-over
At least $80,000.
We are available to discuss any questions you have about our grants funding. Please feel free to contact Poutama on 0800 476 882 or email po*****@po*****.nz.
