Seed Grants

Get the funding you need to progress your idea or start-up

If you have an innovative idea or start-up that needs funding to gain traction, seed grants can help you push forward and grow.

Soda Seed Grants were developed during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic to support businesses by giving them a cash injection when they needed it most. Soda continues to offer seed grants throughout the year as a way to support New Zealand start-ups. Soda Seed Grants offer more than just financial assistance. Applicants will also receive feedback on their idea and finalists will receive a customised mentoring session.

Apply now

Seed Grants

We love to support New Zealand start-ups. If you need a financial boost to take your idea or business to the next level, our Seed Grants might be just what you need. Our next Seed Grant round is in September 2021.

What is the criteria?

  • I have a unique or innovative start-up idea but need a small cash injection to get it off the ground or test the market.
  • I have been working on developing my start-up for a while but am at a standstill due to funds.
  • I have some form of market validation or evidence that customers want to pay for my product or service.
  • My business is potentially scaleable  and might have unique intellectual property.
  • My business could be a high value brand opportunity for NZ.
  • I need investment to get my product or service to market.
  • Business must be registered in New Zealand.

What is the process?

  • Film a 60 second video selling us your idea.
  • Complete the application form below with supporting information describing your idea, the problem is it solving and how you are going to roll it out.
  • Submit your application and email us your video.
  • Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll invite 10 finalists for a 30-minute online meeting so we can get to know you and your business better.
  • Finalists will be invited to an online pitch night where finalists present to our panel of experts.
  • Winners will be chosen and announced that same night.

What happens?

Timeline

  • Applications open:  6 September 2021
  • Applications close:  24 September 2021
  • Finalists confirmed: 30 September 2021
  • Online pitch night:   7 October 2021

Cash prizes

  • 1st           $7,000
  • 2nd          $2,000
  • 3rd           $1,000

Learn More

Apply for CO.STARTERS today

Seed Grants

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What our clients say

By entering Soda’s Seed Grant competition I overcame some major barriers, and afterwards my business was on a whole new level. We were suddenly quite high profile and everyone started to take us seriously. Winning helped give me the courage and conviction to go get my dreams and goals.
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- Josie Robinson, founder of Robbie’s Pickles and Preserves
Soda Seed Grant winner

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