AWS Activate for startups: a bonus program to save you up to 100K

Amazon Web Services is the largest cloud service provider globally, with 32 regions and 102 availability zones in operation. Also, AWS has more services and features than any other cloud provider, making building your product or service more convenient and cost-efficient.

And the good news is that startups have an opportunity to try its services. For example, with the AWS Activate program, you can get up to $100,000 in free credits, which act as a trial period, allowing you to experience the platform’s features and capabilities.

What must you know about AWS Activate, how do you enable it, and what do you spend the credits on? Let’s discover.

What is AWS Activate?

AWS Activate is a program started in 2013 to help new startups and early-stage companies. It gives them free tools, resources, and discounts to help build and scale their businesses using Amazon Web Services.

With AWS Activate, startups get:

• Access to the AWS Activate Console — your personalized hub of tools, resources, and content adapted to your startup needs
• Expert tips on business and technical matters
• Training and support materials through Learn on AWS
• Over 40 pre-built infrastructure templates
• Exclusive discount codes and free trials
• Access to personalized tools and content through the AWS Activate Recommendations feed
• The chance to apply for up to $100,000 in AWS credits over a startup’s lifetime to pay for AWS services

Hint: You don’t have to apply for all credits at once since it can be better to apply for what you need for your plans. This approach will help you to avoid overspending and ensure credits don’t expire unused.

These benefits allow startups to learn more about AWS and create essential plans before fully committing. However, many startups are particularly interested in AWS Activate Credits.

So, what are AWS Activate Credits?

They’re like special coupons that you can use to pay for AWS services. It simplifies joining AWS without significant investments. These credits are free and valid for one or two years from the moment you get them. They are applied to your account until they run out or expire.

You will have the expiration date on the credits page of your AWS Billing and Cost Management Console or your AWS Activate Console. AWS cannot extend credits after expiration, so pay attention to it.

Criteria to apply for AWS Activate Credits

The AWS Activate program is available for self-funded startups or funded up to their series A round. However, there are some conditions:

1. Startups must have been established within the last 10 years.
2. Startups need to have a working website or public profile.

How to apply for AWS Activate Credits?

If you’re a startup looking to benefit from AWS Activate credits, here’s how to make it.

The program has two tiers:

1. Activate Founders

Self-funded and bootstrapped startups can get $1,000 in credits at this stage.

In addition to the criteria we mentioned before, qualifications include being an AWS Activate Founders newbie and having an active AWS account.

To unlock these credits, you must complete your Activate Console registration and submit your application. Once approved, you’ll be eligible for this amount in AWS credits, other AWS Activate features, and the chance to get more credits later.

2. Activate Portfolio

It provides startups associated with venture capital firms, accelerators, or other startup-enabling organizations with up to $100,000 in AWS credits.

Qualifications include being funded or unfunded up to Series A, as well as having an active AWS account, company website, and LinkedIn page.

Remember that if you’ve already received AWS credits, you need to apply for a larger amount. Your application may be rejected if you’ve reached the maximum $100,000 credit.

You can check your credit balance in your Billing and Cost Management Console, then — Credits.

You also can start with a smaller amount: you can get $300 in credits through the AWS Connected Community.

What do you spend the AWS Activate Credits on?

AWS Activate Credits are used to reduce charges for eligible AWS services. They can only offset costs in the billing cycle during or after you receive them, and not for past bills.

Summary

If you’re a startup that meets the criteria above and has ambitions for rapid growth — try the AWS Activate program. You can start with $300 or $1000 in AWS credits to acquaint yourself with this cloud provider’s features and determine whether it fits your business well.

We can help you make this decision and prepare your startup for it if you already use another cloud provider and are considering migrating to AWS. Reach out to us via contact@dedicatted.com, and we’ll consult you.