The Māori Climate Innovators Business Growth Programme is a new programme designed to support Māori-led businesses with existing climate innovation that is ready to grow, develop, or scale. It is not a startup or idea-stage programme.

Selected innovators will receive expert-led masterclasses, access to connections and collaboration, and the opportunity to apply for one-on-one mentoring and pitch for growth and develpment funding to advance their venture. 

The programme has two phases:

• Phase One begins on 26 March 2026 and includes a series of in-person and online masterclasses led by mātanga (experts) in areas such as law/IP, branding, access to capital, sustainability certifications, finance 101, and AI.
• Phase Two will open via a second Expression of Interest (EOI) in May 2026 and will offer selected innovators access to in-depth one-on-one mentoring and an opportunity to pitch for growth funding (more details will be released closer to the time).

We’ll be adding more detail about the experts leading each masterclass soon, so check back for updates.

This programme is for Māori businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators who:

• Have a climate or sustainability-focused business, product, or service
• Are Māori-owned (at least 50%) or Māori-led
• Are working in areas such as energy, waste, water, tech, circular economy, climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, or similar
• Want to grow their impact, capability, or commercial readiness

We’re looking for Māori innovators with established businesses that need support to scale or grow.

No, there is no cost for businesses. The programme is fully funded to support eligible pakihi, with no repayment or equity requirements.

We will review your EOI and assess your suitability for the programme. Pakihi will be notified of the outcome by email by 2 March 2026. We may get in touch if further clarification is needed to assess suitability. If you are successful in your application, we then match your responses with the masterclasses you selected.

Yes. While the programme is based in Tāmaki Makaurau, we welcome expressions of interest from Māori innovators from other regions. To be eligible, applicants must be able to attend the in-person masterclasses held at Te Puna Creative Hub in Henderson, Auckland on the following dates:

• Tuesday 21 April 2026 – full-day masterclasses (in person)
• Wednesday 5 May 2026 – full-day masterclasses (in person)

Participation in these in-person sessions is essential to the programme. 

As a pilot programme, we are committed to tracking its impact. Reporting will be managed in three ways:

• Overall programme reporting, including business outcomes and network growth.
• Service providers will have separate reporting requirements, specific to their area of expertise, ensuring that businesses receive targeted and measurable support.
• You will be required to report/self-evaluate by completing a survey after the programme.

The programme is designed to be practical and flexible, but participation is key to ensuring pakihi get the most value from the support offered.

Participants should be:

• Motivated to grow/scale their business
• Able to attend masterclasses and key programme events (a mix of online and in-person)
• Open to collaboration, coaching, and mentorship
• Willing to provide basic business insights to support reporting requirements.

This programme supports goals in Te Tāruke ā Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan, which prioritises innovation as a key lever for climate action and resilience. It also helps grow the Māori economy by supporting Māori-led businesses to expand their climate innovation, create jobs, and deliver solutions that strengthen communities and the environment.

This programme is:

• Designed specifically for pakihi Māori, ensuring cultural and strategic alignment.
• Fully structured, providing pre-allocated funding for targeted business development services.
• Delivered in partnership with expert providers, ensuring businesses receive sector-specific expertise.

Yes. Any information provided through the EOI process and programme participation will be handled with strict confidentiality and will only be used for programme purposes.

The programme supports a wide range of climate and sustainability innovations, including but not limited to:

• Water and marine solutions
• Mātauranga Māori-led innovations
• Renewable energy and energy sharing
• Nature-based or whenua restoration solutions
• Waste reduction and circular economy
• Tech, AI, data, or modelling tools
• Built environment, housing, or sustainable design
• Climate adaptation and resilience services

If you’re not sure if your kaupapa fits — we encourage you to apply.

The programme is delivered by Climate Connect Aotearoa and Te Puna Creative Hub.

Yes. If you need help with eligibility, kaupapa fit, or completing the EOI, get in touch!