What would you build, launch, or grow?
The Side Hustles NZ Growth Fund is launching it’s pilot round 1st October 2026
It’s our way of putting money where it matters – back into the hands of Kiwis doing the work.
We’ll award two lump sums of $5,000 cash every quarter, exclusively to Accelerator members. You don’t need to write essays or tick endless boxes – just show us how you’d use the funds to make your business grow.
Applications open: 1–31 October 2026
Judging: 1–31 November 2026
Winners announced: 7 December 2026
1. Join the Accelerator
Only paying Accelerator members can apply for the Growth Fund. Membership must be current at the time of application and funding.
2. Apply with your plan
Tell us how you’d use $5,000 to take your business further — it’s quick, simple, and focused on impact.
3. Judging
Our panel looks for clarity, creativity, and potential for real growth — not polish or perfection.
4. Announce & fund
Two winners receive $5,000 NZD each to put their plan into action. You’ll also be featured in our community to inspire others.
To apply, you must be based in New Zealand, be an active Accelerator member, and be working on a side hustle or small business that’s ready to grow – whether through marketing, product development, systems, training, or any other activity that drives real results.
Side Hustles NZ exists to help everyday Kiwis build businesses that support better lifestyles, greater flexibility, and long-term independence.
We know firsthand how much difference a big chunk of cash can make when you’re trying to get momentum – it’s often the boost that turns an idea into something real.
That’s why we’re reinvesting part of our Accelerator memberships back into our community, through real, no-strings-attached funding.
Because when one of us wins, we all grow.
Want to be the first to know when applications open?
Enter your details below and we’ll email you when the next round goes live.
Only current Side Hustles NZ Accelerator members can apply.
You’ll need to be based in New Zealand and actively working on a side hustle or small business.
Each quarter, two Accelerator members receive $5,000 cash to help grow their business — that’s $10,000 in total funding every round.
The first round opens 1 October 2026 and closes 31 October 2026.
Judging runs through November, and winners are announced on 7 December 2026.
Once applications open, Accelerator members will get an email with the link to apply.
You’ll complete a short form and submit a video telling us how you’d use $5,000 to move your business forward.
Anything that directly helps you grow your business – marketing, product development, training, tools, equipment, professional services, or systems that save time and boost sales.
A small judging panel reviews all applications and looks for:
Winners are chosen based on merit, not luck – it’s not a random draw.
No. The Growth Fund is not a loan.
Yes. Recipients agree to participate in a short follow-up or interview within six months to share outcomes or learnings.
Absolutely. You can apply again each quarter as long as you’re an active Accelerator member.
Once selected, recipients sign a simple funding agreement. Funds are then transferred to a nominated New Zealand bank account.
Funding may be considered taxable income depending on your business structure and circumstances. Recipients are responsible for meeting their own tax obligations and should seek professional advice if unsure.
No – this fund exists to support Accelerator members who are already investing in their growth.
If you’re not yet a member, you can join the Accelerator here.
All going well, Round Two will open 1st February 2027.
We run new rounds every quarter.
No hidden fine print, no hoops.
Just a straightforward way to help motivated Kiwi side hustlers get ahead.
