How Much Does RBP Funding Cover for Business Advisory?
- sp8002
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: May 17
How Much Does RBP Funding Cover for Business Advisory?
Regional Business Partners (RBP) co-funding is a New Zealand government programme that offsets a portion of eligible advisory and capability-building costs for qualifying SMEs. For business advisory engagements, funding typically covers a portion of the fees across the first three months of the programme. Strategize Auckland is an accredited RBP provider. Around 50% of new clients qualify.
In short: RBP co-funding subsidises a portion of advisory fees for eligible NZ businesses across the first three months of an engagement. The application is handled by the practice — you don't navigate it alone. The advisory programme itself doesn't change based on whether you're co-funded.
What the RBP programme is
Regional Business Partners is administered through regional economic development agencies across New Zealand. It was established to make high-quality business advisory and capability support more accessible to SMEs by reducing the financial barrier to engagement.
The programme is not a grant that pays out in advance. It is co-funding — the government subsidises a portion of the agreed advisory cost, and you pay the balance.
How the funding works in practice
The co-funding covers a portion of the advisory fee across the first three months of the Strategize Auckland programme. The programme itself does not change based on funding status. After the co-funded period, the full advisory fee applies.
Who typically qualifies
General eligibility criteria include: registered and operating in New Zealand, in business for a minimum period (typically at least 12 months), fewer than 50 full-time employees in most cases, not currently receiving other government co-funding for the same activity, and engaging an accredited provider for eligible advisory services.
What the application process involves
Oniesha, Strategize Auckland's admin lead, handles the RBP application process on your behalf. The process involves: an initial eligibility check, a needs assessment, application submission through the regional partner, and approval and co-funding agreement in place before the programme begins.
What the funding does not cover
The funding applies to accredited advisory services — not every type of business support. It doesn't make the programme cost nothing — it offsets a portion of the fee in the first three months. It doesn't affect the advisory itself.
Why it matters for your decision
Knowing that Strategize Auckland is RBP-accredited is relevant — not all advisors hold accreditation, and you can only access the funding through an accredited provider.
Frequently asked questions
How much does RBP funding cover for business advisory? RBP co-funding offsets a portion of eligible advisory fees across the first three months of an engagement with an accredited provider. It is a subsidy, not full coverage.
Who qualifies for RBP co-funding in NZ? Registered NZ businesses that have been trading for at least 12 months, with fewer than 50 full-time employees in most cases, engaging an accredited provider for eligible advisory services.
Do I have to manage the RBP application myself? No. Oniesha, Strategize Auckland's admin lead, handles the application process on your behalf.
Does RBP funding change what's included in the advisory programme? No. The Strategize Auckland programme is identical whether you're co-funded or paying in full.
Can I access RBP funding through any business advisor? No. The co-funding only applies when you engage an accredited RBP provider. Strategize Auckland is an accredited provider.
What happens after the RBP co-funded period ends? After the first three months, the full advisory fee applies.
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