All the Microsoft programs and people to help startups!

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Microsoft loves to support startups! Here is how we can support you through the different stages of your company - from building tech and launching, to growing a customer base and entering new global markets.

Start

The programs and people that can help here are geared more towards startups that are starting to build their MVP/tech and are usually pre-seed investment. If this is you, the below programs may help you get to the next stage. You can also reach out to the local team if you have any questions.

The BizSpark Program

A one-year program with no joining fee and we don't take any equity. Startups must be less than five years old, privately held, earning less than US $1M in revenue and building software with the intent to market and sell. Startups get up to $1000/month free Azure Cloud services, access to Microsoft's most popular software and tools optimised for startups through a Visual Studio Enterprise Subscription, developer store accounts to publish your app and technical support including 4 free phone sessions. 5 team members are provided with a Visual Studio Enterprise Subscription for the duration of their time in the program. Once you've graduated from the BizSpark program, you have access to discounted Visual Studio Enterprise Subscriptions through a local Microsoft Partner. Here you will see the full list of benefits associated with a Visual Studio Enterprise Subscription. Apply for BizSpark online at www.bizspark.com

App Accelerate

Build and innovate your applications. Reach new customers faster using scalable Azure and data services built on an intelligent and open platform.

  • Plan your business - evaluate the opportunity for your applications using strategic planning resources and market assessment tools
  • Deploy great apps - build and deploy intelligent applications with product guidance from expert engineers, access to design sessions, and testing and certification services
  • Launch and grow - generate more leads and expand customer reach for your applications through marketing support, channel development, and application marketplaces

Learn more about the App Accelerate Program.

Meet the team at our BizSpark meetups or a Microsoft Innovation Centre BizSpark Australia meetup group - regular meetups in cities around Australia for BizSpark startups and other startups to network, share stories and get to hear advice from experts and specialists.

Microsoft Innovation Centres (only in Brisbane and Adelaide) - Microsoft Innovation Centres (MICs) are local hubs that provide resources and support for students and entrepreneurs, helping to accelerate the creation of new companies, jobs and growth in the local ecosystem. In over 100 locations worldwide, Microsoft Innovation Centres embody collaboration with local government, universities and industry partners.

Build

These programs and teams are for helping startups that have surpassed seed investment and have a solution in market that is starting to get traction. Startups may still be on BizSpark at this point and working closely with the Microsoft Australia Startup team.

The BizSpark Plus Program

Scale your startup with BizSpark Plus! To help you get to the next level, we're working with the top 200 global accelerators to give qualified startups up to $120k of free Azure credits. In Australia we have 7 top startup accelerator partners.

BizSpark members can potentially move into BizSpark Plus and receive $120k Azure Cloud credits for 2 years, free standard technical Azure Support worth $300/month, a free consultation with an Azure Engineer, 5 x Office 365 seats for 1 year and $250 in Bing advertising credit.

Reach out to us if you are interested in BizSpark Plus and understanding who the Australian top accelerator partners are.

Microsoft Partner Network

Join the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN) to create more opportunities for your business, have better engagement with customers, foster stronger connections with Microsoft and get access to training to expand on your skills and expertise.

ISV Resource Hub

Get the products, tools, and go-to-market assistance you need to take your app from big idea to profitable reality. Explore the ISV (Independent Software Vendor) Resource Hub.

  • Build your app - access Microsoft products and developer resources
  • Develop your strategy - see how we can help turn your app into a long-term revenue generator
  • Sell your app - pick from the options to sell your app through Microsoft
  • Connect with partners - engage with Microsoft's massive global ecosystem

 

Grow

For startups that have surpassed a Series A round of investment and may have been through BizSpark Plus and about to graduate.

The Microsoft Partner Team provides the programs, tools and resources you need to build and sustain a profitable, successful cloud business. We accelerate growth for partners by continuing to transform our ecosystem and simplifying the programs and investment structure that drives your growth, profitability and success. The Microsoft Partner team have individual teams focusing on; building with next generation partners, helping with go-to-market and selling into new customers.

Unlike the programs in the "Build"? phase, here the Microsoft Partner Team will directly engage with you to ensure you successfully acquire new customers and generate more revenue.

If you feel you are at this stage, reach out to the team and we will assess on an individual basis.