Quick Intro

AWS Activate is a program offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that provides startups with the resources they need to quickly get started on AWS. The program includes credits, support, training, and other benefits to help startups successfully build and scale their businesses on AWS.

Activate Founders Requirements:

As a first-time startup founder, who hasn't received a seed or pre-seed fund from any investors, or who is bootstrapping your startup, you are eligible for the AWS Activate Founders program if you meet the following criteria:

1. You have not previously received credits from an AWS Activate Portfolio partner.

2. You have an AWS Activate account.

3. You are an early-stage startup, either unfunded or funded up to and including Series A.

4. You have no institutional funding or affiliation with an Activate Provider.

5. You have a company website or public company profile.

6. Your company has been founded within the past 10 years.

Activate Founders Perks

1. Credits: Your startup can receive AWS Promotional Credits to help reduce the cost of using AWS services. You're given $1,000 USD AWS Activate credits valid for 2 years.

2. Support: Your startup will be eligible to and can access 24/7 technical support and resources to help you quickly get started with AWS. the precise cheque cut is $350 in AWS Developer Support Credits valid for 1 year.

3. Guidance: Your startup can get guidance from AWS experts on best practices for building and deploying applications on AWS. You will be able to use 7 Core AWS Trusted Advisor Best Practice Checks. You also receive email access to 1 primary Cloud Support Associate and General Architectural Guidance

4. Training: Your startup can access online training and courses by AWS and partners to help you build your skills and knowledge of AWS. There are tons of videos, github repos, documentation and articles(there is an entire blog dedicated to Startups here)

5. Networking: You can connect with other startups, investors, and mentors through AWS Activate events and initiatives. You can also leverage the social media channels to scout for potential talent and investors. The social media handles are here AWS Startups Twitter, AWS startups linkedin. You can also access the AWS Loft

6. Special Offers: You can take advantage of special offers from AWS partners, such as discounts on tools and services and use them in building your projects

Activate Portfolio Requirements:

If you are an experienced startup founder, who has received a seed or pre-seed fund from investors, or you have been added to an accelerator for startups like YC or Seedtstars, you are eligible for the AWS Activate Portfolio program if you meet the following criteria:

• Startups affiliated with an Activate Provider (unfunded and funded up to and including Series A)

• Have an Activate Provider’s organization ID (Org ID)

• Have a fully functioning company website

• Have an AWS Activate account

• Have not previously received AWS Activate credits at equal or greater value from the same Activate Provider

• Have not exceeded $100,000 in redeemed AWS Activate credits
  Have been founded in the past 10 years

Activate Portfolio Perks

The AWS Activate Portfolio provides startups with up to $100,000 USD in AWS Promotional Credits that are valid for one year. These credits can be used to help reduce the cost of using AWS services, giving you the flexibility to choose the services that are right for your business.

In addition to the credits, the AWS Activate Portfolio also provides startups with AWS Business Support Credits that are valid for one year. With these credits, you can access 24x7 phone, email, and chat support from Cloud Support Engineers, as well as premium response speed for any technical issues or questions you may have.

The AWS Activate Portfolio also includes support for the AWS Support API, interoperability, and configuration guidance and troubleshooting. This means that you can get the help you need to set up and configure your AWS environment, as well as troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

How to Apply

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the AWS Activate Founders program:

Check your eligibility:

Check that you meet the eligibility criteria for the AWS Activate Founders program. You must be a founder of an early-stage startup (unfunded or funded up to and including Series A), have no institutional funding or affiliation with an Activate Provider, have a company website or public company profile, and have been founded in the past 10 years.

Visit the Website:

Visit the AWS Activate website, it currently looks something like this. You can proceed to click on the “Join Now” button or to Click "Create an AWS account".

If you scroll this page down, the view looks like this; there is a simple step-by-step illustration of how you can apply as shown in the image below.

Create an AWS Account:

If you don't already have an AWS account, create one by visiting the AWS website. When you click on the apply now button; you are redirected to a login page where you can either create a new AWS account or log into a present active one, the page looks like this

Choose Root User, or IAM user and progress to type in the email address; this screen is for those that possess AWS accounts; however, if you are new to AWS or want to create a new AWS account, you will be redirected to a page that looks like this when you click on the "Create a new Account button".

Go ahead and sign up then log in to your AWS activate Console.

Since I already have an account, I proceed to answer the Kaptcha test to verify if I am human and then log in

Fill out the online application form with information about your company and its use case for AWS. Be sure to provide a complete and accurate application, as this will help increase your chances of being accepted into the program. This will be the account that you use to fill in the form and apply for the AWS Activate Founders program.

Wait for Approval:

After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for AWS to review it. This process can take up to a few weeks, so be patient. If your application is approved, you will receive an email from AWS with instructions on how to activate your AWS Activate account.

Once you're done filling in the application form your console will look like this.

Enjoy the Benefits:

Once your application for credits is approved, you will receive an email informing you of the approval and the value of your credits. Your AWS Activate Credits are automatically applied to your AWS account upon receipt of your application approval email. You don't need to take any action. AWS Activate Credits are automatically applied to your monthly bill.

You can find the exact credit amount, expiration date, the remaining balance of your AWS Activate Credits, and the applicable AWS services in the bottom section of the Credits Page on the AWS Billing and Cost Management Console.

If your application for credits is denied, you will still have access to your resources within the AWS Activate Console and can apply for credits again as your startup continues to evolve.

Conclusion

By following the steps above, you can apply for the AWS Activate Founders program and start taking advantage of the benefits it offers. With the help of AWS Activate, you can focus on building and scaling your business, while AWS provides the resources and support you need to succeed.

Happy Building 🚀🔥