Expression of interest

The Generator seed funding release for this 2024 contract period is now CLOSED.

Thank you for your interest. Due to a rapid increase in demand applications for The Generator support and seed funding are now closed until further notice.
If you have any other questions or need assistance, feel free to ask therese.ireland@emergeaotearoa.org.nz, 021 272 0633.

People making Expression of interest on The Generator website:

The Generator supports prioritised community service card holders in financial hardship to explore the feasibility of a business idea, learn business skills and scale up their enterprise. Due to an increase in demand, applications for The Generator support and seed funding are now closed until further notice. MSD and The Generator are working on an approach to manage demand for support and grant funding.

At present we prioritise applicants already registered based on this criteria:

  • circumstances (level of hardship) eg:
    • poverty
    • disability
    • homelessness
  • people getting a benefit
  • type of business

Please continue to visit our website for further updates as they arise.

The Generator Trial Funding Application Assessment:

Eligibility: Must have a current community services card and are assessed against the below prioritisation criteria.

  • circumstances (level of hardship) eg:
    • poverty
    • disability
    • homelessness
  • people getting a benefit
  • type of business must be an in-demand product or service created or delivered by the applicant

Startup Limit: Only one startup idea per applicant or family member.

Grant Usage: Access a $2000 trial grant and upload receipts.

Support: Applicants with mental health or disability challenges must be accompanied by a support worker

Not been funded previously: Excludes those already funded by e.g. TPK/Foundation North/Pacific Business Trust/Flexiwage.

The Generator Ongoing Funding Application Assessment:

Post-Trial Application: Applicants can apply for ongoing funding after the trial.

Assessment Criteria: Selection is based on sustainability evidence and the above criteria.

Funding Amounts: $3000 or $5000 grants available.

Funding Restrictions: As economic challenges grow so too does demand for The Generator. Of the 1.1 million Community Service Card holders The Generator can fund 325 trial applicants a year.

To make a complaint please see process below:

Client Complaints Policy and Procedure