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The Generator

Introduction

The Generator is an MSD-funded initiative that provides seed funding and mentorship to help people on low incomes with a community services card to kickstart their business ventures and improve their financial situations.

By putting whanau and communities at the centre of developing their own solutions to financial challenges, the goal of The Generator is to spark abundance through supporting action and enterprise.

The Generator is designed to help people realise their talents and abilities, increase their incomes and employment opportunities, build their skills and capabilities, and create strong connections and networks in vulnerable communities.

How the Generator works

The Generator encourages individuals, whanau and community groups to carefully plan a sustainable enterprise before applying for seed funding that can then be used turn their business ideas into real enterprises.

Applicants usually need to complete a series of planning steps before receiving seed funding. Successful applicants are introduced to one of a network of ‘Community Generators’ whose role is to co-produce the enterprise. Community Generators act as mentors and guides and networkers for those who have received seed funding.

Map of New Zealand for Generator

Backbone organisation

Emerge Aotearoa provides the ‘backbone’ organisation to manage the day to day operations of The Generator.

Emerge Aotearoa also provides a wide range of community-based mental health, addiction, disability support and social housing services nationwide.

sina's food stall lillustration
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