Recommended Startup Support Programs for Scouta

Cloud Provider Programs

1. AWS Activate

• Provider: Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be a startup less than 10 years old.
  • Cannot be a part of the AWS Activate Portfolio program.
• Benefits:
  • Up to $100,000 in AWS credits.
  • Technical support and business mentorship.
  • Access to training and resources for building on AWS.
• Application Process:
  1. Sign up for an AWS account.
  2. Apply through the AWS Activate application page.
  3. Provide information about your startup and its technology needs.
• Direct Link: AWS Activate

2. Google for Startups Cloud Program

• Provider: Google Cloud
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Startups must not be more than 10 years old.
  • Must have a relevant business model that fits within Google’s guidelines.
• Benefits:
  • Up to $350,000 in cloud credits, resource support, and dedicated technical assistance.
  • Access to Google Cloud’s infrastructure and AI tools.
• Application Process:
  1. Sign up for a Google Cloud account.
  2. Fill out the application form detailing your startup’s need for cloud resources.
• Direct Link: Google for Startups Cloud Program

3. Microsoft for Startups

• Provider: Microsoft
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Startups must be based in a location where Microsoft operates.
  • Must have a working product and growing customer base.
• Benefits:
  • Up to $120,000 in Azure credits over two years.
  • Technical support and access to Microsoft technology and training resources.
• Application Process:
  1. Register and create a profile on the Microsoft for Startups website.
  2. Complete the required application detailing your startup’s growth stage and technology.
• Direct Link: Microsoft for Startups

Payment Processing Programs

1. Stripe Atlas

• Provider: Stripe
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Open to startups worldwide looking to build a business in the U.S.
• Benefits:
  • Build a legal entity in the U.S. and open a bank account.
  • Free access to Stripe’s payment processing capabilities for the first year.
• Application Process:
  1. Sign up online at Stripe Atlas.
  2. Follow the steps to create your business entity and set up your Stripe account.
• Direct Link: Stripe Atlas

2. Brex

• Provider: Brex
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Business must be U.S.-based and a startup or early-stage company.
  • No personal guarantee or credit check needed.
• Benefits:
  • Offers up to $1,000 back for $20,000 deposited within 60 days.
  • Features include expense management and credit cards tied to your Brex account.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit the Brex website and apply for an account.
  2. Provide necessary business information and verification documents.
• Direct Link: Brex

Development Tool Programs

1. GitHub Education Pack

• Provider: GitHub
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be a student or educator.
• Benefits:
  • Access to software and services including free access to GitHub Pro and various cloud services, design tools, and collaboration tools.
• Application Process:
  1. Go to the GitHub Education Pack website.
  2. Sign up and verify your student status.
• Direct Link: GitHub Education Pack

2. Notion for Startups

• Provider: Notion
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Startups must be under 2 years old and have a formal company website.
• Benefits:
  • Access to Notion’s products, with significant discounts or free plans for specific features.
• Application Process:
  1. Visit Notion for Startups page.
  2. Fill out the application form including company details and vision.
• Direct Link: Notion for Startups

3. JetBrains for Startups

• Provider: JetBrains
• Eligibility Requirements:
  • Must be a startup with less than 5 employees and within the first 5 years of operation.
• Benefits:
  • Free licenses for JetBrains software for 1 year, valued at thousands of dollars.
• Application Process:
  1. Fill out the online application.
  2. Submit relevant details about your startup.
• Direct Link: JetBrains for Startups

Application Strategy

Recommended Sequence for Applying to Programs

1. Start with cloud provider programs (AWS, Google Cloud) for foundational tech support.
2. Move to payment processing programs (Stripe Atlas, Brex) for setting up financial operations.
3. Apply to development tool programs (GitHub Education, Notion) for productivity enhancements.

Documentation to Prepare in Advance

• A concise business plan outlining your model and targets.
• Proof of startup (incorporation documents, business license).
• A clear explanation of how each program’s offerings will benefit your startup.

Tips for Maximizing Approval Chances

• Tailor applications to demonstrate how your startup aligns with their requirements, utilizing specific examples of your mission and technology.
• Be clear on how you plan to utilize resources or credits provided by these programs.
• Follow up after submission if there’s a contact point.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Incomplete applications or missing documentation.
• Not aligning business models with sponsor goals.
• Insufficient explaination of how credits/resources will enhance operational capacities.

Timeline Expectations

• Cloud provider applications usually take 1-2 weeks for reviews.
• Payment processing typically grants quicker approvals—often within 5-7 days.
• Development tool applications can range from a few days to several weeks depending on validation processes.

Links and Sources Used

1. AWS Activate - Information on AWS Startup Program.
2. Google for Startups Cloud Program - Details on benefits and application process for Google Cloud.
3. Stripe Atlas - Overview and application details for Stripe Atlas.
4. Brex - Features, eligibility requirements, and application steps for Brex.
5. GitHub Education - Information on GitHub’s education program.
6. Notion for Startups - Introduction to Notion for startups and application details.

This tailored support list is aimed to cater specifically to Scouta’s needs and maximize the startup’s chances of securing valuable resources.