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"Not a quick fix": Govt's business start up grant found lacking

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 19 Nov 2025, 11:00am
Photo / 123RF

"Not a quick fix": Govt's business start up grant found lacking

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Wed, 19 Nov 2025, 11:00am

A small business advocate says a Government grant must do more than throw money at a problem.  

The Taxpayers’ Union has revealed the business start up grant has dished out $38 million with little to show for it.  

Documents retrieved through the Official Information Act show hundreds of the recipients struggled and returned to a benefit within two years.  

Small Business New Zealand Founder Phil Wicks told Andrew Dickens the recipients are the furthest people away from the labour market.  

He says they can still succeed but need more mentoring, structure, and clear expectations. 

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