Startup Cloud Credits Guide
AWS, GCP, and Azure all offer free cloud credits for early-stage startups, up to $350K combined. Most founders don't apply because the programs are hard to find or seem complicated. They're not.
Amounts and eligibility updated April 2026. Verify current terms on each provider's official page before applying.
Quick comparison
| Program | Max credits | Duration | Funding required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWS Activate Portfolio | $100,000 | 2 years | Partner referral |
| AWS Activate Founders | $1,000 | 1 year | No |
| Google Cloud for Startups | $200K–$350K | 2 years | Series A or earlier |
| Microsoft for Startups | $150,000 | Multi-year | No |
Program details
AWS Activate
Up to $100,000 over 2 years
Tiers
Self-service. No VC or accelerator required.
Requires affiliation with an AWS Activate provider (VC, accelerator, or incubator).
What's included
- AWS service credits
- AWS Support (Business tier)
- AWS Activate Console access
- Training and certification vouchers
Eligibility
- •Early-stage startup (pre-Series B for most programs)
- •Not previously received AWS Activate credits
- •Must have a valid business entity
- •Portfolio tier requires an AWS Activate provider referral
How to apply
- 1Find an AWS Activate provider if applying for Portfolio tier (your VC or accelerator likely qualifies)
- 2Go to aws.amazon.com/activate and click Apply Now
- 3Fill in your company details and provider information
- 4Credits are applied to your AWS account within a few days of approval
Tip: If you're in an accelerator or backed by a VC, ask them directly. They almost certainly have an AWS Activate provider code that unlocks the full $100K tier.
Google Cloud for Startups
Up to $350,000 over 2 years
Tiers
For early-stage startups building on Google Cloud.
Additional credits for startups with an AI/ML-focused product.
What's included
- Google Cloud service credits
- Firebase credits
- Google Maps Platform credits
- Technical support and architecture guidance
- Access to Google's startup programs and events
Eligibility
- •Series A or earlier (under $5M in funding for direct applications)
- •Not previously received Google Cloud for Startups credits
- •Building a product, not a consulting firm or agency
- •Can apply directly or through a Google partner (VC, accelerator)
How to apply
- 1Go to cloud.google.com/startup
- 2Apply directly or through a Google for Startups partner
- 3Connect your Google Cloud billing account during the application
- 4Approval typically takes 1-2 weeks
Tip: GCP's program is currently the most generous for AI startups. If your product uses LLMs, embeddings, or any ML workload, apply for the AI-focused tier. The extra $150K is significant.
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub
Up to $150,000 over Multiple years
What's included
- Azure cloud credits
- GitHub Enterprise (free)
- Microsoft 365 (free)
- LinkedIn Premium (free)
- Access to OpenAI models via Azure OpenAI Service
- Dedicated Microsoft startup support
Eligibility
- •Have a startup idea (this is the most open of the three programs)
- •No funding requirement (bootstrapped startups qualify)
- •Not a publicly traded company
- •Must not have previously received Founders Hub benefits
How to apply
- 1Go to startups.microsoft.com
- 2Sign in with a Microsoft account
- 3Fill in your startup details (no lengthy application)
- 4Credits are typically approved within hours
Tip: Azure's program is the easiest to get approved for: no funding requirement and near-instant approval. Even if you plan to use AWS or GCP primarily, it's worth applying just for the GitHub Enterprise and Microsoft 365 perks.
Things worth knowing before you apply
- →Apply to all three. They're not mutually exclusive. Many startups stack AWS, GCP, and Azure credits simultaneously.
- →Apply early. Credits have expiry dates (typically 1-2 years). Don't wait until you need them; apply as soon as you're building.
- →Credits cover most services but not all. Read the terms carefully. Data transfer costs and third-party marketplace charges are often excluded.
- →If you're rejected, ask your VC or accelerator to refer you through their partner portal. The threshold is lower when a recognized partner vouches for you.
- →Keep records of your credit usage. When credits run out, real billing starts immediately. Set billing alerts before that happens.
Know what you'll spend after credits run out
Credits cover Year 1. Use the Cloud Cost Estimator to see what your monthly bill looks like at scale, before you're surprised by it.
Estimate your cloud costs →