Manawatū founders have a new opportunity to kick start their ideas with the launch of Innovate Grants. Delivered by CEDA and The Factory, Innovate Grants gives early-stage founders based in the region the funding they need to move from idea to validated concept.
Up to $5,000 in non-dilutive, early-stage funding per startup is available. The grant has been designed to support those with an innovative idea, looking to scale beyond the local market, to test, validate, and start to build something with real potential. It is small capital designed to help create real momentum for early-stage startups.
Small capital. Big momentum.
“CEDA is committed to supporting businesses at all stages of growth in Manawatū, with these new grants offering a boost for those at the starting line,” says CEDA Customer Navigator, Peter Ellingham.
“We are looking forward to seeing how these small, early injections of capital unlock growth for our regions ambitious, capable founders, whether that be through prototyping, intellectual property development, customer validation, market testing, technical feasibility work, or any other way that will take them one step closer to market.”
These are contestable grants, with applications open online now. Applications close end of day on the 27th of April 2026. A shortlist will be selected to pitch before a committee, with winners announced at the Manawatū Innovation Showcase on the 7th of May 2026.
