When you’re launching a startup, every dollar matters, but cloud infrastructure can be one of your biggest early expenses. That’s why AWS Activate, Amazon Web Services’ cloud credits program, can be a game-changer. It gives startups free credits, technical support, and training to help them build and scale on AWS without burning through their budgets.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly how AWS Activate works, what you can get, how to qualify, and how to set yourself up for a successful application.

AWS Activate is a program designed to support startups as they grow by offering free AWS credits, support plan credits, and technical resources. The idea is to remove the financial barrier of cloud infrastructure in your early stages, so you can focus on building.

Startups can receive up to $100,000 in AWS credits, depending on their stage and affiliation with AWS Activate partners (like accelerators, VCs, and incubators).

The benefits of AWS Activate vary by tier, but here’s what’s commonly included:

• AWS Credits: From $1,000 up to $100,000 to spend on any eligible AWS service (like EC2, RDS, S3, Lambda, etc.)
• AWS Support Credits: Typically $350–$10,000 in credits for AWS Business or Developer Support plans
• Training & Resources: Access to AWS Startup Lofts, technical bootcamps, and architecture guidance
• Exclusive Offers: Startup-only discounts on other tools and services like Datadog, Zendesk, and Stripe

AWS Activate offers two main tiers, each designed for different types of startups. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and qualifications by tier:

Best for: Bootstrapped, self-funded, or pre-seed startups without accelerator or VC backing

Benefits:

• • • $1,000 in AWS promotional credits (valid for 2 years)
    • $350 in AWS Developer Support credits
    • Access to AWS Startup Loft events, office hours, and free technical resources
    • Startup-exclusive partner perks and offers

Eligibility:

• • • Startup must be less than 10 years old
    • Must not be affiliated with an AWS Activate partner
    • Must have a live company website or public profile
    • Must not have previously received AWS Activate credits
    • Must have a valid AWS account in good standing

Best for: Startups affiliated with an AWS Activate partner, including accelerators, incubators, and venture capital firms

Benefits:

• • • $5,000 to $100,000 in AWS promotional credits (valid for 1 year)
      • Most startups will receive $5,000-10,000. Higher amounts up to $100,000 are typically reserved for high-growth startups backed by top-tier VCs or accelerators. 
      • Credits do not accumulate, so if you’ve already been awarded $5,000 and you receive another award for a $10,000 tier, you will only receive an additional $5K. 
    • Up to $10,000 in AWS Business Support plan credits
    • Technical deep dives, architecture reviews, and guidance from AWS experts
    • Free credits and discounts on third-party tools (e.g., Datadog, Segment, Notion)

Eligibility:

• • • Startup must be less than 10 years old
    • Must be affiliated with a recognized AWS Activate partner and provide their Organization ID
    • Must not have previously received AWS Activate Portfolio benefits of equal or greater value
      • Pro tip: Start by applying for lower amounts, then reapply for higher amounts as needed! 
    • Must have a valid AWS account and functioning company website or product page

If you don’t have an AWS Activate partner affiliation yet, you can still apply for the Founders tier or join an eligible accelerator to access Portfolio benefits.

While the official eligibility doesn’t restrict any industry or type of business, we’ve found that generally the companies that successfully receive credits are those that are focusing on building scalable technology or tech-enabled products. In other words, unfortunately, businesses like local service providers, freelance consultants, and e-commerce shops without a tech product are unlikely to qualify for the program. 

To maximize your chances of getting approved (especially for higher-tier credits) follow these tips:

• Have a Clear Company Website
  This is one place many startups make mistakes! Take the time to make sure your website explains what your startup does, who it serves, and includes contact info. Better yet, treat your website like a pitch, and tell a convincing story of why your product is worth it. You want to identify your company as one that will have a successful scaling trajectory. AWS reviewers will check for legitimacy.
• Apply Through a Partner
  If you’re part of an accelerator, VC firm, or incubator, ask for their AWS Activate Organization ID. This unlocks the Portfolio tier and higher credit amounts.
  • Not part of a program? Look into an industry-focused or local business and economic development organization. Many of these are free to join and can help you get access to perks like the AWS Activate Portfolio program. 
• Know How Many Credits You Need
  Don’t apply for the highest tier available to you first. Think about how much compute power you actually need now. You can always apply for higher tiers later on. 
• Use a Business Email
  Avoid personal Gmail or Yahoo emails. A company-branded domain shows credibility.
• Fill Out the Application Thoroughly
  Explain your product, market, and why you need AWS. Include relevant links to your demo, website, or pitch deck if possible.
• Apply Early
  If you’re planning to join an accelerator, some let you pre-apply for credits. Others offer credits after acceptance. Check your partner’s policy.

• You can only get AWS Activate credits once per tier, so time your application carefully (ideally when you know you’ll start scaling).
• Be proactive: If your accelerator hasn’t offered credits, ask! You may qualify without realizing it.
• Make sure you have an exit plan. While free credits from providers like AWS, GCP, or Azure are a great way to get started, they often mask the true long-term costs of the infrastructure you’re building. Without a plan in place, you might find yourself locked into services that are too expensive to sustain or difficult to migrate away from. An exit strategy (think: optimizing your setup, exploring alternative providers, or designing a cloud-agnostic architecture) helps ensure your startup remains agile, financially healthy, and able to pivot or scale without hitting a financial wall once the credits run out.

AWS Activate is one of the most valuable programs available to startups, not just because of the free credits, but because of the support and infrastructure it unlocks. Whether you’re running a lean MVP or building a data-heavy product, these credits can buy you time, breathing room, and faster iteration.

If you’re eligible, take the time to apply carefully, and use the credits wisely. Your startup’s cloud journey doesn’t have to start with a massive bill.