Since its founding, partnership has been at the heart of Microsoft’s business model. The success of our products and services relies on an ecosystem of nearly 700,000 business partners – many of them small and medium sized enterprises that are deeply rooted in their local communities.
When designing the Microsoft BizSpark program, partnership was at the heart of our strategy; partnership with both startups and entrepreneurial community organizations that support them locally. These community organizations are vital to the success of startups by providing guidance, mentorship and support.
Microsoft offers a variety of programs to help companies who develop and market solutions based on Microsoft technologies, provide consulting or technical services for Microsoft systems, or recommend Microsoft technology purchases to customers. These programs provide both technological and business assistance to help drive innovation and build successful businesses.
Microsoft® BizSpark™ is a global program for startups that provides fast, easy access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and production licenses with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. It also provides support, training and marketing visibility to startups in their earliest stage, when their need is greatest. BizSpark startups also receive guidance, mentorship and other assistance from Microsoft’s Network Partners. In the coming months, Microsoft BizSpark will offer more benefits such as a community for BizSpark startups and Microsoft’s network partners, assessments tools, and access to funding.
Microsoft® BizSpark™ One builds on the BizSpark foundation, seeking to accelerate the growth of high potential startups through a one-to-one relationship with Microsoft. In this unique, invite-only program, startups are paired with a dedicated relationship manager who works with them to promote its visibility, expand its network of investors and mentors, expose it to business opportunities, and develop cutting-edge applications. In some countries, BizSpark One offers advisory committees to help address common startup needs - such as access to leading seed and venture capital organizations.
Microsoft® DreamSpark™ enables current university or high school students to download and use full-featured professional Microsoft software at no charge, to unlock their creative potential and set them on the path to academic and career success by advancing their learning in the areas of technical design, technology, math, science, and engineering.
Microsoft® WebsiteSpark™ provides fast, easy, access to Microsoft Web design and development software and solutions, support, visibility and training to professional Web development and design companies.
The 100 Microsoft Innovation Centers in 50 countries around the world provide world-class facilities and programs for software developers, IT professionals, government representatives, university students, faculty members and startups.
