by Brian Solis
Microsoft announced its new BizSpark program to help transform today’s most promising startups into tomorrow’s most successful businesses.
Microsoft BizSpark is a global program that will help startups grow into successful businesses through software support and a vibrant ecosystem that offers a significant business advantage – for free (well almost). Startups are required to pay $100 once they graduate from the program or at the end of three years. Upon graduation, companies will need to pay for the Microsoft software, hosting, and other services moving forward.
Startups will receive professional support from Microsoft and BizSpark Network Partners around the world who provide a wide range of support resources for software startups. Network Partners are incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies and hosters who are vested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship.
Emerging companies will receive fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies, and production licenses of server products for immediate use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.
A dedicated Website, the BizSparkDB, will highlight promising companies from around the world every day. Through their relationship with Microsoft and BizSpark Network Partners, startups can collaborate to potentially reach an audience of potential investors, clients and partners.
Microsoft has a long history working with startups and believes the combination of technology and partner support provided by BizSpark is the right formula needed to put young companies on the road to success.
During times of economic stress, it’s even more important that startups have the technology and market resource support they need to succeed.
So let’s celebrate!
If you’re in NY on 11/11, join us.
Microsoft BizSpark and The TechSet, present “Ignition” an event for entrepreneurs, investors and those who contribute to a dynamic ecosystem for helping startups flourish.
Join Stephanie Agresta, Brian Solis, Microsoft staff and partners at One Little West NYC from 8-10pm. Free hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and valuable networking will be served. Plus, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the most influential technologists around. All attendees can participate in a “twitter raffle” to win an XBox 360 Elite.
RSVP on Eventbrite.
Event Details:
Time: 8-10pm
Location: 1 Little W. 12th St., New York, NY 10014
If you don’t live in NY, hopefully we’ll see you in Austin, Los Angeles, or Silicon Valley:
November 20, 2008 – Austin
December 2, 2008 – Los Angeles
December 4, 2008 – Silicon Valley
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Discussion
RSVP for December 2, 2008 – Los Angeles