AWS Startup Credits
Offers up to $100,000 in AWS credits for cloud infrastructure, AI model credits via Bedrock, and up to $1M for select accelerator cohorts.
Quick answer
AWS offers eligible startups up to $100,000 in credits and resources, with no equity required. An application is required, and it is open to startups worldwide (pre-seed – series a).
Available programs
$100,000
AWS Activate
Get started with AWS Activate and receive AWS credits, technical support, and training to help you build and scale your startup.
- Up to $100,000 in AWS credits for 2 years
- 1 year of AWS Business Support (up to $5,000)
- Access to AWS Technical Support
- AWS Training & Certification credits
- Access to the AWS Marketplace
$1,000
AWS Activate Founders
For bootstrapped startups and founders, get AWS credits and resources to help you get started.
- $1,000 in AWS credits for 2 years
- Access to AWS Technical Support
- AWS Technical and Business Essentials training
- Access to exclusive offers from AWS partners
$100,000
AWS Activate (Portfolio/Founders)
Up to $100,000 in AWS credits; AI model credits via Bedrock; some accelerators up to $1M for select cohorts
- Up to $100,000 in AWS credits; AI model credits via Bedrock; some accelerators up to $1M for select cohorts
Recommended AWS partner
Claim & optimize your AWS credits with Cloudvisor
An AWS Advanced Tier Partner that helps startups get AWS credits and cut cloud costs — no added service fee, full ownership of your account, and a dedicated AWS-certified Solutions Architect.
- Up to $10k
- in AWS Activate credits, plus help applying for larger batches
- 3% off
- your overall AWS spend when not using credits
- 50–90% off
- Amazon CloudFront delivery costs
- 10–40%
- typical savings from a cost-optimization review
No equity, no root access required · Cloudvisor is compensated by AWS.
Best for
Do you qualify for AWS?
You likely qualify if
- Founded within the last 10 years
- Pre–Series B funding stage
- Privately held with a functioning company website
- Applying with a professional domain email (not Gmail/Outlook)
You won't qualify if
- You are Series B or later
- Your company is older than 10 years
- You have already received equal or greater Activate credits
- You are a consultancy, dev shop, or agency
- You run crypto-mining / bitcoin operations
Common rejection reasons
- Applied with a personal Gmail/Outlook address instead of a domain email
- Website does not clearly describe the product
- Missing or invalid Activate Provider org ID on the Portfolio tier
- Credit cap already hit via a Mercury or Brex partner bundle
How to apply for AWS
-
1
Check eligibility
Be under 10 years old, privately held, with no prior AWS Activate credits, plus a professional website and email.
-
2
Pick your track
The Founders tier is open to self-funded startups; the full $100k Portfolio tier requires association with an approved Activate Provider (accelerator/incubator/VC), pre–Series B.
-
3
Apply via AWS Activate
Submit at aws.amazon.com/activate with your Activate Provider org ID if you have one.
-
4
Get approved
Credits post to your AWS account and are valid for up to 2 years.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim AWS commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does AWS give startups?
AWS provides eligible startups with up to $100,000 in credits and resources across its programs.
Does AWS take equity from startups?
No. AWS's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for AWS?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Must be less than 10 years old; Must not have previously received AWS Activate credits; Must be privately held.
Is AWS free for startups?
Applying is free. AWS provides up to $100,000 in credits and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for AWS?
1) Check eligibility, 2) Pick your track, 3) Apply via AWS Activate, 4) Get approved. Full steps are on this page.
Related startup credits
Related resources
The 10 Best Business Grants for Founders in 2026
Discover the best business grants for 2026. Our guide covers top grants from AWS, Google, the SBA & more, with eligibility, value, and application tips.
Cloud Cost Optimization Strategies: 2026 Startup Guide
Discover 10 actionable cloud cost optimization strategies for startups. Cut AWS, GCP, Azure bills with our 2026 guide: credits, right-sizing, FinOps.
8 Best Grants for Tech Startups in 2026
Discover top grants for tech startups in 2026. Our guide covers eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply for non-dilutive funding from AWS, Google, and more.