Startup Dunedin Microgrants
No-equity grants of up to $2,000 for Ōtepoti founders and student teams to test an idea, build a prototype, or take the next concrete step.
— cash to get you going
What are Microgrants for?
Microgrants are deliberately small and specific. They’re for the concrete next step that unlocks momentum, not ongoing costs or salaries.
Prototypes & MVPs
Materials, components or dev time to get a first working version in front of real users.
Validation & research
Run a pilot, interview customers, or test whether people will actually pay for it.
Tools & software
A year of the SaaS, licences or equipment that unblocks your next milestone.
First small batch
Produce a limited run to sell, sample, or take to market for the first time.
IP & compliance
A provisional patent search, food-safety check, or the advice you need to launch legally.
Getting to an event
Travel, a stand, or entry fees to demo at a pitch night, expo or accelerator.
You can apply if
You're a good fit if…
- Based in or studying in Dunedin (Ōtepoti)
- An early idea with a clear, specific next step
- A solo founder, student, or small team
- You can spend the grant within six months
Maybe not if
What we can't fund
- General living costs, wages or salaries
- Debt, past expenses already paid
- Established businesses with revenue & funding
- Projects with no startup or community angle
— Where it went
Recent grant recipients
Intermentis
Health tech startup Intermentis are making an AI-driven smart doorstep assistant, Soter, which manages doorstep interactions.
Receiving Microgrant funding in 2025, they were able to test Soter’s capabilities and fund the research, Android device, and door sensors that went into Soter.
SpellCaster
Spellcaster is a phonics-based gamified educational platform for students to build their reading and writing skills.
Rupert and the Spellcaster team received $40,000 in CODE Kickstart funding in 2024, and have since been working on the product in The Distiller Incubator.
Tamis Co.
Tamis Co. is a Dunedin-based food business bringing Filipino childhood sweets to the local market.
They’ve come a long way since being awarded their Microgrant funding, focusing on scaling product, and on how to prepare their treats for a crowd.
— FAQ's
Questions, answered
Do I need a registered company?
No. We can pay an individual, a student team or a registered entity — whatever you have. If you’re funded we’ll sort the details together.
Can I apply more than once?
Yes, but one grant per idea per year. If a past grant helped, tell us what happened — it strengthens a new application.
How is the money paid?
As a single grant into your nominated account once your application is approved. No invoices to chase, no equity, nothing to repay.
What are my chances?
We fund roughly one in three applications. A specific, achievable next step matters far more than a polished pitch.
Do you take a cut of my startup?
Never. Microgrants are non-dilutive — it’s community funding, no strings on your ownership.