Unfortunately, due to the increase in demand for support and limited pūtea available, we have put a hold on approving any NEW investment applications for funding. Applicants are still able to apply but we won’t be considering applications for investment funding until the new financial year 2024-25 (from 1 April 2024).

Any returning applicants for investment funding are encouraged to talk to your Business Adviser or contact us via poutama@poutama.co.nz before re-applying.

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 poutama@poutama.co.nz.

Unfortunately, due to the increase in demand for support and limited pūtea available, we have put a hold on approving any NEW grant applications for funding. Applicants are still able to apply but we won’t be considering applications for grant funding until the new financial year 2024-25 (from 1 April 2024).

Poutama Investment – Online Application

Conditions and Criteria

To apply for Poutama investment you must meet the following conditions and tick the check box next to each.

Nameyour full name

To apply for Poutama investment you must meet the following conditions and tick the check box next to each.

In making an application for funding from Poutama you must ensure that all the information provided by you (including that provided by any advisors) is true and correct. In acknowledging/signing the declaration on the application, you acknowledge that if any information provided by you or your advisors is, or subsequently proves to be incorrect, that you are liable to repay any monies provided by Poutama to you (including any administrative or collection fees incurred by Poutama). Poutama reserves all its rights at law and in the case of any alleged fraudulent behaviour on the part of the applicant, Poutama reserves the right to lay a criminal complaint with the Police.

Poutama may require you or other partners/shareholders in your entity to provide evidence proving that you are Māori from a recognised kaumatua or other iwi leader in order for you to prove that you or your entity meets Poutama’s funding criteria.

The business must have a turnover of at least $80,000.

The business must have operated for at least 12 months.

You must provide an up to date business plan.

Click here - for a business plan template.

You must provide actual financial statements for the previous 12 months of trading or for the period since the business began trading.

You should demonstrate that you could not get access to investment from other sources, for example, banks or private investors.

You should demonstrate how the investment in industry-specific products and/or services is essential to your business operation.

You should demonstrate how the investment would assist your business to achieve growth and sustainability.

You should be prepared to meet Poutama business advisers to discuss your business and investment requirements.

Poutama's investment services are specifically targeted at businesses seeking to grow their business activities. The investment should not be considered as something that will help prop a business up or fund normal operational costs. You will need to strongly demonstrate how Poutama's investment will help grow your business.

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