Essential Startup Resources and Programs

A comprehensive list of programs, credits, and resources to help startups grow and scale. These programs offer everything from cloud credits to legal services, development tools, and accelerator programs.

Cloud Provider Programs

Google for Startups Cloud Program

URL: https://cloud.google.com/startup
Benefits: Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits for AI-focused startups, with two tiers - Start ($100,000) and Scale ($200,000) over 2 years.
Best for: Startups building on Google Cloud Platform, especially AI/ML companies.

AWS Activate

URL: https://aws.amazon.com/startups
Benefits: Up to $200,000 in AWS credits for Series A startups (doubled from $100,000 in 2024), $100,000 for seed-stage, with 3-year expiration. Generative AI accelerator offers up to $1 million in credits.
Best for: Startups of all stages, particularly those needing scalable infrastructure.

Microsoft for Startups

URL: https://www.microsoft.com/startups
Benefits: Up to $350,000 in Azure credits for accelerator participants (like Y Combinator), $150,000 through Founders Hub, $5,000 for early-stage teams without funding.
Best for: AI startups and those in major accelerator programs.

Major Startup Accelerators

Y Combinator

URL: https://www.ycombinator.com/
Benefits: $500,000 investment ($125K for 7% equity + $375K uncapped SAFE), access to 1000+ deals worth $500K+, extensive documentation and resources.
Best for: Early-stage startups ready for intensive 3-month program.

Techstars

URL: https://www.techstars.com/
Benefits: $120K seed funding, mentorship from industry leaders, global network across 15+ countries. Free programs include Founder Catalyst and Startup Weekend.
Best for: Startups seeking mentorship-driven acceleration.

500 Global (formerly 500 Startups)

URL: https://500.co/
Benefits: $150,000 for 6% equity, portfolio of 2,700+ companies across 77 countries, active seed investor.
Best for: Global startups seeking international expansion support.

Development & Design Tools

GitHub for Startups

URL: https://github.com/enterprise/startups
Benefits: Up to 20 seats of GitHub Enterprise free for 12 months, 50% off Advanced Security, access to 30K+ startup network.
Eligibility: Series B or earlier, funded or partner-affiliated startups.

Stripe Atlas

URL: https://stripe.com/atlas
Benefits: $500 setup fee for US incorporation, one year free card processing (up to $100K), $50K+ in partner discounts including $5K AWS credits.
Best for: International founders incorporating in Delaware.

Stripe Startups Program

URL: https://stripe.com/startups
Benefits: Waived processing fees or fee credits for venture-backed startups, community access, expert resources.
Eligibility: Early-stage, venture-backed companies with institutional funding.

Notion for Startups

URL: https://www.notion.com/startups
Benefits: Up to $1,000 in free Notion credits, minimum $500 credit for any startup (covers team of 5 for a year).
Best for: Startups needing collaborative workspace and documentation tools.

Additional Free Resources

Startup School (Y Combinator)

URL: https://www.startupschool.org/
Benefits: Free 10-week online course on starting a startup, access to founder community and resources.
Best for: First-time founders learning startup fundamentals.

MongoDB for Startups

URL: https://www.mongodb.com/startups
Benefits: $3,000 in free MongoDB Atlas credits, technical advisors, startup resources.
Best for: Startups using MongoDB for database needs.

Twilio Startups Program

URL: https://www.twilio.com/startups
Benefits: Education, mentoring, introductions for startup founders, communication API credits.
Best for: Startups building communication features.

FounderPass

URL: https://www.founderpass.com/
Benefits: Collection of startup deals and discounts from various companies including GitHub, Notion, and others.
Best for: Founders seeking multiple tool discounts in one place.

Startup Communities & Events

Startup Weekend

URL: https://startupweekend.org/
Benefits: Three-day program to experience startup life, learn launching basics, networking.
Best for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders.

Startup Week

URL: https://www.techstars.com/startup-week
Benefits: City-wide celebration of entrepreneurship with sessions, keynotes, pitch competitions.
Best for: Local startup community engagement and networking.

MassChallenge

URL: https://masschallenge.org/
Benefits: Zero-equity accelerator with cash prizes for top performers, global network.
Best for: Startups seeking acceleration without giving up equity.

Plug and Play

URL: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/
Benefits: Corporate accelerator programs, partnerships with hundreds of corporations and universities, global network of 30,000+ startups.
Best for: Startups seeking corporate partnerships and B2B opportunities.

Tips for Maximizing Benefits

  1. Don’t activate all cloud credits simultaneously - Use one provider at a time to extend your runway for 4-5 years.

  2. Treat credits like real money - Implement FinOps practices and track costs weekly from day one.

  3. Apply early - Many programs have limited spots and competitive application processes.

  4. Leverage partnerships - Being part of one accelerator often provides access to partner benefits and programs.

  5. Read the fine print - Understand expiration dates, usage restrictions, and eligibility requirements.

  6. Stack benefits - Many programs can be combined - for example, Y Combinator companies get enhanced benefits from cloud providers.

Last updated: August 17, 2025

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