AWS Activate — The Complete Startup Guide
A neutral, factual overview of the AWS Activate program: what it is, who qualifies, and how to give your application the best chance.
What AWS Activate is
AWS Activate is Amazon Web Services' program for startups. It offers eligible companies cloud credits, technical resources, and support to help them build and scale on AWS. Credits are applied to the startup's own AWS account and are governed by the program's terms.
Credit tiers available through the program
Activate credit amounts vary by eligibility, typically ranging from a starter allocation up to significant tiers for startups affiliated with approved accelerators, incubators, or venture funds. Common reference points founders aim for are the $5,000, $10,000, $25,000 and $100,000 levels.
| Tier | Typical profile |
|---|---|
| $5,000 | Early / self-funded startups |
| $10,000 | Startups with a live product |
| $25,000 | Accelerator or investor affiliated |
| $100,000 | Funded, scale-stage startups |
Who qualifies
Eligibility depends on factors like company age, funding stage, and accelerator or VC affiliation. See our eligibility & program guidelines page for the full breakdown.
Application process walkthrough
The process runs from creating your profile and providing company details, to describing your product and cloud usage, to submitting for review. Our how it works page expands each step with checklists.
Common mistakes that cause rejection
- Generic email domains instead of a business email
- An "under construction" or placeholder website
- Mismatched legal names between filings and the application
- Vague product descriptions with no technical substance
Where StartupCloudCredits fits in
We are an advisory service. We prepare and strengthen your Activate application so it reads the way reviewers expect — but we never guarantee approval, because only AWS approves.
Want help with your Activate application?
Book a consultation for an honest eligibility check and a submission-ready application.