The hunt is on for New Zealand's next big YouTube stars. Aspiring storytellers from the Bay of Plenty can apply for a share of a new joint $300,000 Skip Ahead fund to help develop and launch original web series.

Google and NZ On Air have teamed up to provide $150,000 each to create the fund, with applications opening this week.

In addition to receiving funding, the successful applicants will attend skills development workshops to help them create high quality, narrative driven web series.

Robbie Nicol, creator of the popular White Man Behind Desk videos was among successful applicants from the first round of funding last year.

Nicol says the funding allowed him and his team The Candle Wasters to take on challenges they would never have considered.

'We brought in local musicians, created an album as well as a webseries and developed a project which is totally unique - a musical set in a children's indoor playground. We couldn't be more thrilled to have been given this opportunity,” says Nicol.

A growing number of Kiwis are building successful careers through their YouTube channels and gaining loyal audiences around the globe.

These include Jordan Watson, whose How to Dad channel has almost 150,000 subscribers.

For more information about the funding, visit the NZ On Air website. Applications are open until August 30.

Last year, four successful applicants launched their own web series with the help of Skip Ahead funding: Jordan Watson and his instructional parenting series How to Dad, Kiwi horror series Ao-Terror-Oa, Wellingtonian funny feminists The Candlewasters and NZ gaming underdogs, Viva la Dirt League.

Applications have opened and creative minds from your region have until August 30 to enter online at www.nzonair.govt.nz