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The founder zine · 18 issues

Read this before you borrow.

Practical, current guides for New Zealand founders — written for the questions you search before you ever look for a loan. Startup funding after Callaghan, the $60,000 GST line, provisional tax surprises, payout delays, import timing and how lenders really think.

Startup fundingFounder decisionsE-commerce opsTax basicsBorrowing 101CreditGrowth mathsImportingPeak seasonSetting upTax & IRDGrowth movesGoing full time

  1. #01 Startup funding NZ startup funding options in 2026: grants, angels, VC and loans What startup funding is actually available in NZ in 2026: MBIE grants after Callaghan, angels, NZGCP-backed VC, RBP support and business loans, explained.
  2. #02 Founder decisions Bootstrap, borrow or raise? How to choose for your business Should you bootstrap, take a business loan or raise from investors? A practical framework for NZ founders comparing cost, control, risk and speed.
  3. #03 E-commerce ops Cash flow for online stores: payout delays, inventory and the gap between Why profitable NZ online stores run out of cash: payout delays, inventory cycles, ad billing and GST. A practical cash flow system for e-commerce founders.
  4. #04 Tax basics The $60,000 GST threshold: when to register and what changes When NZ businesses must register for GST, how the $60,000 test works for past and future turnover, filing options, payments basis and cash flow tips.
  5. #05 Tax basics Provisional tax in your first years of business, explained Why your second year in business can bring a double tax bill in NZ. How provisional tax works, the $5,000 threshold, due dates, options and interest rules.
  6. #06 Borrowing 101 How lenders look at a new business (and how to look better) What NZ lenders check when a business is under two years old: trading history, bank statements, credit, IRD, security and the founder. Plus how to prepare.
  7. #07 Credit Building a credit profile for a brand-new company How NZ business credit reports work, what Centrix, Equifax and illion record, and the practical steps a new company can take to build a strong credit profile.
  8. #08 Growth maths Know your unit economics before you borrow for ads CAC, AOV, contribution margin, break-even ROAS and payback — the five numbers NZ founders should know before borrowing to scale paid advertising.
  9. #09 Importing Importing stock: deposits, freight timing and currency A practical guide for NZ businesses importing stock: supplier deposits, Incoterms, sea vs air freight, Customs levies, duty, GST on imports and currency risk.
  10. #10 Borrowing 101 When a line of credit beats a lump-sum loan (and when it doesn't) Line of credit or business loan? How each works, which cash flow problems each solves, and a simple decision guide for young NZ businesses.
  11. #11 Peak season Black Friday and Christmas: a peak-season plan for NZ online stores Plan peak 2026 using NZ Post's 2025 data: two peak phases, stock timing, courier cut-offs, discount maths and funding the cash gap before Black Friday.
  12. #12 Borrowing 101 Property-secured business loans explained for younger founders How NZ property-secured business loans work: first vs second mortgages, using a parent's property as a supporting party, what's assessed and the risks to weigh.
  13. #13 Setting up Sole trader or company? Choosing a structure in New Zealand Compare NZ sole trader and company structures: liability, tax, admin, cost and how each affects borrowing — plus when it's time to switch from one to the other.
  14. #14 Borrowing 101 What lenders read in your business bank statements NZ unsecured business lenders size loans off your bank statements. What they look for — deposits, dishonours, overdrafts, IRD — and how to prepare.
  15. #15 Tax & IRD Behind with IRD? Your options for business tax debt Owe GST, PAYE or income tax to Inland Revenue? Compare IRD instalment arrangements and paying out tax debt with a business loan, and what happens if you wait.
  16. #16 Growth moves Opening a second location or pop-up: the checklist and the maths Thinking about a second store, café or studio in NZ — or a pop-up first? Readiness signs, site selection, break-even maths, lease tips and funding options.
  17. #17 Setting up Funding equipment for a new business: buy, lease or borrow? How NZ startups should fund equipment: buying outright, leasing, equipment finance or a business loan — plus Investment Boost, low-value assets and PPSR basics.
  18. #18 Going full time From side hustle to full time: when and how to make the jump When to quit the day job and go full time on your NZ side hustle: income runway, IRD and GST setup, structure, pricing, first hires and funding the leap.

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