Applying for AWS Activate Credits: A Step-by-Step Guide

Since day one, AWS has helped more startups accelerate their journey from seed to success than any other cloud provider. Infusing unparalleled startup experience with strong incentives, startups choose AWS to launch faster, build with confidence, and scale more effectively. AWS Activate is a startup’s first step to prove that their world-changing ideas are possible.

One of the core benefits of an AWS Activate membership is the ability to access up to $100,000 in AWS credits to start using eligible AWS services right away. Use your credits to build your MVP if you’re just getting started, or reduce cash burn and extend runway as your startup grows. Plus, AWS Activate credits are redeemable for use on third-party models on Amazon Bedrock, our fully-managed service that offers a choice of high-performing foundation models (FMs) from leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies, like AI21 Labs, Anthropic, Cohere, Meta, Mistral AI, Stability AI, and Amazon via a single API.

Here's your step-by-step guide to apply for these valuable credits:

Step 1

Create an AWS Builder ID

Before you begin the application process, you'll need to create an AWS Builder ID. This ID represents you as an individual and is independent from any existing AWS accounts you may have. You can create your AWS Builder ID by selecting "Apply Now" from the AWS credits page.

Step 2

Complete Your AWS Activate Profile

Once you've created and verified your AWS Builder ID, you'll be directed to complete your AWS Activate profile. This step allows you to save your application progress in case you're interrupted. Be sure to fill out all the required information about you and your startup.

Step 3

Choose Your Credits Package

Next, you'll need to choose the credits package that you qualify for—either the Founders or Portfolio package. The Founders package is for early-stage founders pre-funding, while the Portfolio package is for startups that have a valid Org ID from a startup-enabling organization like a venture capital firm or accelerator.

Step 4

Provide Additional Startup Details

After selecting your credits package, you'll need to add more details about your startup, such as your product information and funding details. This step helps AWS understand your business and determine if you're eligible for the credits.

Step 5

Link Your AWS Account

In this step, you'll need to either create a new AWS account or link your existing AWS account to your AWS Builder ID. Only one AWS Builder ID can be linked to an AWS account at a time, so you may need to override an existing link for this step.

Step 6

Verify Your AWS Account

Once you've linked your AWS account, you'll need to verify it by clicking the "Verify your account" button in the AWS Management Console. This step helps AWS confirm that the account is valid and properly associated with your AWS Builder ID.

Step 7

Review and Submit Your Application

After completing all the previous steps, you'll be able to review your application and submit it. You'll receive a confirmation email, and AWS will notify you of your application status within 7-10 business days.

Remember, if you encounter any issues during the application process, you can refer to the AWS Activate credits FAQ or contact AWS for support.