Microsoft on Wednesday launched a programme to help fledgling Internet companies by giving them free access to software, tech support and introductions to its business partners around the world. BizSpark is intended to "accelerate the success of entrepreneurs and early-stage startups" using, of course, Microsoft technology, according to the Redmond, Washington-based software colossus.
"Microsoft BizSpark is an exciting way for us to help provide business startups with the development tools, advice and exposure they need," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer. "We look forward to working with organisations and development agencies around the globe to foster entrepreneurship and help new companies succeed." To be eligible for the program, companies must be privately owned; less than three years old, and have annual revenues of no more than a million dollars.
Startups must be "nominated" by BizSpark Network Partners including economic development agencies, venture capitalists, business incubators, and groups such as global nonprofit The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE). "We think Microsoft BizSpark addresses a fundamental challenge startups face: access to current, full-featured tools and technologies that help turn ideas into a thriving business," said TiE chief executive Suren Dutia.
"We are excited to be part of this new effort to propagate entrepreneurship globally, cultivating the future generation of highly successful entrepreneurs." There is no cap on the number of startups that can get into the BizSpark program and they can come from any of 82 countries. Startups will be profiled in an online BizSparkDB directory and also get discounted access to Microsoft "cloud computing" resources.
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