This startup credits checklist is your comprehensive guide to discovering valuable resources that many founders overlook. While most startups know about major cloud credits from AWS or Google Cloud, our startup credits checklist reveals a vast landscape of additional opportunities that could save your business thousands in operational costs.
🎯 Quick Startup Credits Checklist Summary
- ✓ Development & DevOps Tools
- ✓ Design & Creative Platforms
- ✓ Marketing & Analytics Tools
- ✓ API Services & Integrations
- ✓ Security & Compliance Tools
- ✓ Customer Support Platforms
- ✓ Business Operations Software
- ✓ Legal & Compliance Services
- ✓ Financial Tools & Services
- ✓ Professional Service Credits
1. Development and DevOps Tools Credits
The first item on any startup credits checklist should be development tools. Beyond basic GitHub or GitLab access, numerous development platforms offer substantial startup credits. JetBrains provides a full suite of professional IDEs free for qualifying startups, while CircleCI offers significant credits for CI/CD pipelines.
Top Development Credits to Claim:
- • JetBrains: Full IDE suite (worth $649/year)
- • Docker Business: Enterprise features
- • HashiCorp: Complete infrastructure suite
- • DataDog: Monitoring and observability credits
- • New Relic: Application performance monitoring
These tools can dramatically improve your development workflow and system reliability while saving thousands in monthly costs, making them essential items for your startup credits checklist.
2. Design and Creative Tools Credits
Design tools are often overlooked in startup credits checklists, yet they're essential for product development and marketing. Adobe offers startup programs providing access to Creative Cloud, while Figma's professional tier is available through various startup partnerships.
Essential Design Credits:
- • Adobe Creative Cloud: Up to 60% off for startups
- • Figma: Professional tier through startup programs
- • Canva: Enterprise features and stock media
- • Sketch: Professional design software discounts
3. Marketing and Analytics Platform Credits
While Google Ads credits are well-known, many startup credits checklists miss comprehensive marketing tool opportunities. HubSpot's startup program offers their enterprise suite at massive discounts, while Mailchimp provides substantial email marketing credits.
Marketing Credits to Secure:
- • HubSpot: Up to 90% off enterprise suite
- • Mailchimp: Email marketing credits
- • Mixpanel: Analytics platform startup program
- • Amplitude: User analytics credits
- • Buffer: Social media management credits
4. Specialized API Services Credits
API services can significantly enhance your product's capabilities and should be included in every startup credits checklist. Twilio offers substantial credits for communication APIs, while Stripe provides processing fee discounts for startups.
5. Security and Compliance Tool Credits
Security tools are crucial yet often expensive, making them important additions to your startup credits checklist. Auth0's startup program provides enterprise-level authentication services, while 1Password offers team licenses for startups.
Security Credits to Obtain:
- • Auth0: Authentication services credits
- • 1Password: Team password management
- • Vanta: SOC 2 compliance platform
- • Snyk: Security vulnerability scanning
- • DigiCert: SSL certificate discounts
6. Customer Support and Engagement Credits
Professional customer support tools can transform your user experience and deserve a spot on every startup credits checklist. Intercom and Zendesk offer comprehensive startup programs, providing access to enterprise-grade customer communication tools.
7. Business Operations Software Credits
Operational tools often come with significant startup benefits that many overlook in their startup credits checklist. Notion's team plan is available through startup programs, while Airtable offers substantial credits for their enterprise features.
8. Legal and Compliance Service Credits
Legal services often provide startup-specific programs that should be part of any comprehensive startup credits checklist. Platforms like Clerky offer startup packages for incorporation and fundraising documents, while LegalZoom provides credits for legal services.
9. Financial Tools and Service Credits
Beyond basic banking, numerous financial tools offer startup credits that belong on your startup credits checklist. Brex and Ramp provide significant rewards on business spending, while accounting software like QuickBooks offers startup discounts.
10. Professional Services Credits
Many professional service providers offer startup credits or discounts that complete this startup credits checklist. Cloud consulting firms provide architecture review credits, while marketing agencies offer startup packages.
How to Use This Startup Credits Checklist
To maximize the value from this startup credits checklist, follow these strategic steps. Most credits are accessible through startup programs, accelerators, or direct applications. Key platforms like AWS Activate and Google for Startups often provide access to partner credits beyond their own services.
📋 Action Steps for Your Startup Credits Checklist
- Check Eligibility: Most programs require companies to be less than 5 years old with limited funding
- Prepare Documentation: Have your company details, pitch deck, and funding information ready
- Track Deadlines: Many credits have expiration dates and usage requirements
- Stack Benefits: Combine compatible programs for maximum value
- Monitor Usage: Set up tracking to ensure you maximize each credit before expiration
🚀 Accelerator Programs for Maximum Credits
Joining reputable accelerator programs can unlock additional credit packages and exclusive access:
- • Y Combinator Startup School: Access to exclusive partner deals
- • Techstars: Comprehensive startup credit packages
- • Microsoft for Startups: Azure credits plus partner benefits
- • DigitalOcean Hatch: Cloud infrastructure credits
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Startup Credits Checklist
This comprehensive startup credits checklist can provide substantial value for your startup, often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in combined savings. By systematically working through this startup credits checklist, you'll ensure no valuable opportunity is missed.
Remember to regularly update your startup credits checklist and check for new opportunities, as the landscape is constantly evolving. With careful planning and management using this startup credits checklist, these resources can significantly extend your runway and accelerate your startup's growth.
For more detailed guidance on maximizing these opportunities, check out our comprehensive guide on how to maximize startup credits and explore our current opportunities database for the latest available programs.
💡 Pro Tip
Keep this startup credits checklist bookmarked and review it quarterly. New programs launch regularly, and your startup's eligibility may change as you grow. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest credit opportunities.