Do I qualify?
To qualify for BizSpark, your startup must be:
- Actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of its current or intended business[1],
- Privately held,
- In business for less than 3 years[2], and
- Generating less than USD $1 million in annual revenue[3].
To be eligible to use the software for production and deployment of hosted solutions, startups must also be developing a new "software as a service" solution (on any platform) to be delivered over the Internet.
The sponsorship of a Network Partner or BizSpark Champ is required before enrolling in BizSpark.
Find a Network Partner
What if I don’t qualify?
If BizSpark isn’t the right fit, Microsoft has a wide range of programs and resources to help your business succeed, including:
- Empower for ISVs - Accelerates ISVs development on the Microsoft platform with software, support, and other resources.
- DreamSpark - Enables students to download Microsoft developer and design tools at no charge.
- Free software - Free software and trial software.
Three years. Then what?
No strings attached - when you exit BizSpark, just pay an offering fee of USD$100. Startups will continue to enjoy the use rights of the BizSpark Program technology offer to develop, test and demonstrate as long as all members of the startup comply with the End User License Agreement.
- Startups will no longer have use rights to the BizSpark Program technology offer for production and hosting. However, at the conclusion of their participation in BizSpark, Startups will have had the benefit of the BizSpark experience and be better equipped to determine the production and hosting technology that best fits their business needs. What’s more, startups leave the program connected to a rich network of peer and partner resources to help take their startup to new levels.
- Startups might choose to take advantage of a Microsoft program like the Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA) (or other Microsoft licensing programs that may be available at the time), but are in no way obligated to do so.
- Startups should manage their agreements with their customers to anticipate the end of their production and hosting rights under the BizSpark Program.
[1] Startups cannot be in the business of providing services to others such as hosting, web agency, system integration or outsourced development.
[2] Startups who are actively engaged in software development but have not yet completed the formalities of establishing a business are also eligible for entry into BizSpark.
[3] This requirement has been adjusted to add local variances calibrated to local economic conditions in the startup’s place of business, below. If a Startups’ place of business is not listed below, then the revenue limit is USD $1 million.
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USD $750,000 China
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USD $500,000 Greece, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine
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USD $250,000 Egypt, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam
