BizSpark : Sparks New Businesses

Another big day of announcements.

Today, BizSpark has been announced. This a global program designed to help accelerate the success of early stage software Startups. BizSpark is the result of seven years spent getting feedbacks from ISVs, startups and competitive ISVs.

By joining BizSpark, Startups get:

• Software:  fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies, and unlimited production licenses of server products for immediate use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. Startups will also get access to the community technology preview (CTP) of the Microsoft Azure Services Platform.
• Support:  professional technical support from Microsoft (MSDN) and community support from BizSpark Network Partners around the world who provide a wide range of support resources for software startups.  Network Partners are incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies and hosters who are vested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Visibility:  a dedicated online startup directory, BizSparkDB, on the Microsoft  Startup Zone website (www.microsoftstartupzone.com) which will highlight promising companies from around the world, including the “BizSpark Startup of the Day”. Through their relationship with Microsoft and BizSpark Network Partners, startups will achieve global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners.

This program lasts 3 years. There are no upfront costs. No Commitments. Startups just have to pay 100$ at graduation.

Startups get access to BizSpark either through a Network Partner (e.g. TiE, NVCA, select Venture Capitalists, and over 300+ entrepreneurial-focused organizations with a strong track record to helping young and promising technology companies success  or through Microsoft BizSpark Program Leads (called “BizSpark Champs”). Startups can find both at Microsoft.com/bizspark.

Program Details:

Eligibility: BizSpark is available to startups that fit the following criteria.

• A private company building a software-based product or service
• In business for less than 3 years
• Less than USD $1M in revenue (2-4 local variants exist)
• Participation lasts up to three years

Availability:

• BizSpark is immediately available worldwide in most countries
• 82 countries have a BizSpark Program Lead (“BizSpark Champs”) to provide support

www.microsoftstartupzone.com/bizspark  has all the detailed program information

On a personal note, I have play a small part in working on this and I am a very fortunate to be “BizSpark Champ”. Drop me a comment if you would like to get connected.