The Distiller Incubator: Where Ambitious Startups Scale Up
The Distiller Incubator supports Dunedin startups with mentoring, workshops, and guidance to help founders build and grow their businesses.
— How it works
How The Distiller works
A startup incubator designed around your goals, your progress, and your timeline. No rigid formats or one size fits all.
1
Start with a Check-in
Chat with us first. We’ll help figure out if incubation is the right next step or whether we might have something else that suits better.
2
Apply When You’re Ready
Submit a short application and pitch your startup to a friendly panel. Don’t panic, it’s not Dragon’s Den, just a relaxed kōrero. You’ll either be accepted into the incubator or walk away with tailored feedback and next steps to help you move forward.
3
Your Incubator, Your Way
If you’re accepted into The Distiller, we’ll work with you to co-design an incubation programme that fits. You’ll set the goals, choose the duration, and shape how it runs so you get the support that actually works for you and your startup.
4
1-on-1 Mentoring
Get matched with mentors who’ve built businesses, made mistakes, and learned what it really takes. They’ll help you sharpen your thinking, and open doors through their own networks and experience.
5
Weekly Support
You’ll meet regularly with our team to track progress, set goals, and keep momentum going.
6
Work Side‑by‑Side With Other Founders
You’ll get access to Startup Dunedin’s co‑working space, a shared HQ for founders building epic things. A chance to connect and learn from others.
Why join the distiller?
The Distiller gives you time, space, and guidance to focus on building your startup. Move forward with the right advice, tools, and people around you.
No barriers to entry
Good ideas shouldn’t be held back by money. That’s why our support is free. Whether you’re joining The Distiller or tapping into other founder-focused help through Startup Dunedin.
Tailored for you
Your incubation journey is built around you and your startup’s needs.
Community
Work alongside ambitious founders, tap into peer support, and access a wider startup ecosystem that’s ready to help.
Ready to take the next step?
Kick things off with a quick startup check-in. We’ll chat about where you’re at, and what support would make the biggest difference.
— FAQ's
Questions, answered
What kind of startups is The Distiller for?
Early-stage ventures that are working on a validated idea and are ready for structured support to scale.
Is there a cost?
No. The Distiller is 100% free
What stage does my startup need to be at?
You don’t need revenue, but you should have started validating your idea and be ready to build or grow.
What if I’m not sure if I’m ready?
Book a free startup check-in and we’ll help you figure that out.
What if I apply but don’t get in?
You’ll still get valuable feedback, next steps, and connections — no one leaves empty-handed.