The Distiller Incubator: Where Startups Scale & Grow
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 Incubator works
The Distiller is a startup incubator designed around your goals, your progress, and your timeline.
We take a bespoke, customised support approach rather than operating with rigid formats or one size fits all advice.
1
Start with a meeting.
Chat with us first – it’s always free. We’ll help figure out if incubation is the right next step for you and your startup, as well as anything else you might need to meet your next goals and challenges.
2
Apply when you're ready.
Submit a short application, then pitch your startup to a friendly panel in a relaxed, definitely-not-Dragon’s-Den scenario. No matter what, you’ll walk away with tailored feedback and next steps.
3
Designed to work for you.
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
One-on-one mentoring.
Get matched with mentors who’ve built businesses, made mistakes, and learned what it really takes. Mentors can provide you with some really invaluable networks and tales from experience.
5
Weekly support and coaching.
You’ll meet regularly with our team to track progress, set goals, and keep momentum going. Sometimes having that weekly check-in and accountability can make all the difference for a startup.
6
Work with fellow founders.
You’ll get access to Startup Dunedin’s co‑working space, a shared HQ for founders building epic things right here in Dunedn. This is a great chance for founders 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
Our support is always 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 of any and all sectors. If you’ve done some background work and validation and you’re ready for structured support, The Distiller is for you.
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.