How we can help you grow your business idea
Support for Start-Ups and New Business Ideas
If you’re exploring a new business idea or looking to grow an early-stage venture, the North King Country Development Trust is here to help. Our goal is to support local people to develop strong, sustainable businesses that contribute to the economic wellbeing of the region.
We partner with Business Mentors NZ and local providers to give you access to expert guidance, and we offer grant funding to help progress ideas with real potential.
Get expert guidance through mentoring
12 Months of Business Mentoring
A business mentor can help you test your idea, refine your goals, and build a clear plan.
Through our partnership with Business Mentors NZ, you’ll receive 12 months of one-on-one mentoring.
The standard mentoring fee is $295 + GST.
NKCDT will contribute $200 toward this cost, and you cover the balance.
This mentoring support helps determine whether your business idea has merit. If it does, you can then apply to NKCDT for additional funding to support marketing, development, or business growth.
How to apply for mentoring
Download the application form (PDF)
Complete the interactive PDF and save it to your device
Email your completed form to admin@nkcdt.co.nz
Eligibility:
You must live or work within the North King Country Development Trust catchment area.
Grant funding to grow your business
Funding for Early-Stage Development
If your idea shows promise after mentoring, you may be eligible to apply for grant funding.
NKCDT supports early-stage initiatives that strengthen the North King Country economy.
Grant Funding Includes Support For:
Research and feasibility
Product development
Marketing or growth initiatives
Early-stage business needs (excluding items listed as non-fundable)
Note: We no longer offer interest-free loans.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone living or operating within the North King Country region can apply—
there are no age restrictions.
The Process
Stage 1: Mentoring (Required before funding)
Applicants must complete business mentoring—through Business Mentors NZ, a local provider, or another credible source.
NKCDT can also fund up to 5 hours of mentoring or business advice to help strengthen your business plan.
Stage 2: Funding Application
Once mentoring is complete, you may apply for grant funding.
The Trust may fund up to 80% of the total project cost, with the applicant contributing the balance.
Ready to begin?
Start your application and we’ll support you through the next steps.
The more detail you provide, the faster your application can be processed.
What we don't fund
NKCDT does not fund:
Vehicles of any kind
Projects outside the North King Country region
Completed projects or retrospective funding
Loan or debt repayment
Research already completed
Any application that does not meet the funding criteria (at Trustees’ discretion)
Email: admin@nkcdt.co.nz
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
Arohena | Aria | Awakino | Benneydale | Hangatiki | Kiokio | Kinohaku | Kopaki | Mahoenui | Maihiihi | Mangakino | Mangaorongo | Mangaotaki | Mangatutu | Mapiu | Marokopa | Mokau | Mokauiti | Ngaroma | Oparure | Otewa | Otorohanga | PioPio | Piripiri | Panetapu | Pureora | Rangitoto | Taharoa | Te Kuiti | Te Mapara | Tongaporutu | Waimahora | Waimiha | Waipa Valley | Waitomo | Whakamaru | Wharepuhanga