# New Zealand Government Expands AI Support for Small Businesses

The New Zealand Government has expanded its AI-powered support initiatives for small businesses in 2026, including the AcceleratorNZ program and funding for Business Mentors New Zealand to develop AI tools. The AcceleratorNZ program will now support 500 additional small businesses with AI-driven diagnostics to enhance productivity and growth. Additionally, Business Mentors New Zealand is funded to create an AI Digital Mentor tool to improve mentor-business matching. The government also launched an AI Advisory Pilot program offering co-funding up to $15,000 per business to develop AI adoption plans.

- These initiatives demonstrate a strategic investment in AI technologies to boost small business competitiveness and innovation across New Zealand.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on AI tool development and advisory services as key areas for potential contracting and partnership opportunities.
- Vendors specializing in AI diagnostics, digital mentoring platforms, and advisory services may find new avenues for engagement with government-backed programs.
- The focus on co-funding models indicates opportunities for collaborative funding arrangements and public-private partnerships in AI adoption support.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** June 12, 2026

### Government Entities
- New Zealand Government
- Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ)
- Business South

### Sources
- [Small businesses get AI-powered support from government through funding boost | Reseller News](https://www.reseller.co.nz/article/4184251/small-businesses-get-ai-powered-support-from-government-through-funding-boost.html) - Reseller News