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Labour is supporting New Zealand’s next generation of innovation by expanding artificial intelligence (AI) and startup support for small businesses, party leader Chris Hipkins says.
“Small businesses and startups are driving the next wave of New Zealand innovation.
“While [Prime Minister] Christopher Luxon tries to cut his way to growth and lecture businesses to ‘be adult’, Labour will increase opportunities to access startup funding and make sure small businesses aren’t locked out of the AI revolution.
“For small businesses, AI has enormous potential. It can help a plumber get quotes out faster, a retailer manage their stock, or a small exporter find new customers overseas – freeing up time to focus on the work that grows their business.”
Labour small business spokesperson Dan Rosewarne says the party wants to see small businesses get off the ground quicker and have access to the same AI support as big competitors.
“The next great Kiwi business could be taking shape today in a university lab, as a prototype being built in a garage, or by someone working late into the night at their kitchen table.
“Starting a business takes more than just a good idea. Founders need the right advice and support to turn that idea into something people will buy, build a team, and find the investment they need to grow.
“Increasing investment in the Founder and Startup Support Programme will help more Kiwis get their ideas off the ground and into the world.”
As the final step in its Small Business Action Plan, Labour will:
- Launch a $2 million a year AI small business fund to help small businesses get ahead.
- Boost AI adoption and extend the AI Advisory pilot to $3 million a year.
- Unlock startup potential by increasing the Founder and Startup Support Programme by $4 million a year.
“As part of our entire Small Business Action Plan, Labour is backing businesses to spend less time battling day-to-day barriers and more time innovating and getting ahead,” Rosewarne says.
