New Zealand Needs Startups

Could your business use something Special?

We believe one of the best ways to help the economy right now is to help more New Zealand businesses create their own momentum — with Special’s Startup programme. If you are looking to start something, grow something or take something further, maybe we can help you with that next big step.

How it works:

Tell us a bit about your business by completing the form fields below. We’ll review every submission, select a short list and get in touch with the ones we’d like to know more about. Two successful businesses will be given access to some of our best strategic, design, communication, PR and digital thinking — for free.
Scope of work and investment of time will be determined with participating businesses.

Submission deadline: 13 November, 2026
Shortlisted businesses notified: 11 December, 2026
Company selection: January, 2027

Apply for the programme

Contact information:

Business Name

Your Name

Website or Social Link

Tell us about your business:

Which best describes where your business is today?

How many people are currently working in the business?

In a few sentences, what does your business do?

What are you trying to achieve over the next 12–24 months?

Have you identified any obstacles to achieving your 12-24 month plan?

Where could Special make the biggest difference?Strategy and positioningBrand IdentityPackagingDigitalCommunication (e.g. launch or growth)Preparing for investmentEntering international markets

What does success look like for you?'

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Thanks for applying to the Special's Startup programme.

We look forward to learning more about what you’re building, where you want to take it, and what getting there could unlock.

We'll be in touch soon.

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NEW ZEALAND NEEDS STARTUPS

Could your business use something Special?

Apply for the programme