Government AI funding

Government funding for AI: what's on offer and who qualifies

The Government's AI Advisory Pilot co-funds up to half the cost of an AI roadmap and putting it in place, for businesses with 50 or fewer full-time staff. It runs until 30 June 2027. Here's how it works in plain English, and an honest note on where we fit.

Last checked: 8 October 2026 · Sources at the bottom of the page

Where Even Odds stands

Even Odds is not an approved provider for the AI Advisory Pilot. We can't deliver funded work, and nothing we sell is government-funded.

  • If you qualify and want funded help, go through your Regional Business Partner. They connect businesses with approved providers.
  • If you don't qualify, or would rather not wait, our prices are fixed and published: the AI Opportunity Report is $495 + GST, and AI Implementation starts from $1,000 + GST. Funded and self-funded work differ in scope, so compare what you get, not just the price.
  • Either way, our free AI Readiness Check is a reasonable first step before you talk to anyone, us included.

What the AI Advisory Pilot is

The pilot is run by MBIE through the Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network, and the work is delivered by approved AI service providers. It comes in two parts. Government co-funding covers up to 50% of eligible costs in each part, so you pay at least half.

Part 1

AI roadmap

up to $2,500 ex GST

Co-funding towards a plan for where AI can help your business.

Part 2

Implementation

up to $12,500 ex GST

Co-funding towards putting the roadmap in place.

The caps appear to be the government's share, not the total project cost. Confirm with your Regional Business Partner before you budget.

The Government extended the pilot in September 2026. About 150 businesses have taken part so far, and the extension makes room for about 120 more.

Who qualifies

According to business.govt.nz, your business must:

  • have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
  • be registered for GST in New Zealand
  • have a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN)
  • be actively trading
  • be registered with the Regional Business Partner Network
  • be willing to put in time and pay its share of the costs
  • have a business problem or opportunity AI could help with

How to apply

  1. 1Register with the Regional Business Partner Network on business.govt.nz.
  2. 2Meet a growth advisor in your region.
  3. 3Complete an AI readiness assessment.
  4. 4Get connected with an approved AI service provider and build your roadmap.
  5. 5Apply for implementation funding, then share your results.

Places are limited and the pilot has a fixed end date, so talk to your Regional Business Partner early.

Other RBP support: the Management Capability Development Fund

Separately, the RBP Network co-funds management training. It covers up to 50% of the training cost, up to $5,000 a year (ex GST), for eligible businesses with fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees. Only training registered with the RBP Network counts. Note the slightly different staff rule from the pilot: "fewer than 50" here, "50 or fewer" for the pilot.

The Government says the RBP Network has co-funded 256 AI-related courses for more than 600 businesses. Your growth advisor can tell you what's registered in your region.

Funding questions

Is it a grant that gets paid to my business?

No. It's co-funding. You pay your share of the cost, and the work is done by an approved AI service provider.

Do the caps cover the whole project or just the government's share?

The caps appear to be the most the government contributes: up to $2,500 (ex GST) for the roadmap and up to $12,500 (ex GST) for implementation, each covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Confirm the numbers for your project with your Regional Business Partner.

Can I use the funding with Even Odds?

No. Even Odds is not an approved provider for the AI Advisory Pilot, so our work isn't eligible for pilot funding.

What happens after 30 June 2027?

Nothing has been announced. The pilot has already been extended, but don't plan on another extension.

Is there funding for businesses with more than 50 staff?

Not under this pilot. It is for businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. Your Regional Business Partner can tell you about other support.

Can I get funding for AI training instead?

Possibly, through the Management Capability Development Fund. It co-funds registered management training for eligible businesses, and the Government says it has co-funded 256 AI-related courses for more than 600 businesses. Ask your growth advisor what is registered in your region.

Sources

Last checked: 8 October 2026. Funding rules change, so check business.govt.nz or ask your Regional Business Partner before you rely on them.

Not sure where to start?

The free AI Readiness Check takes about five minutes and tells you where AI could help. It is useful whether you go on to use funding, a provider, or us.

Take the free check → How to choose an AI consultant

Free, no sign-up. Even Odds is not an approved AI Advisory Pilot provider.