Microsoft launched a new program called BizSpark to help 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.
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).
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.
Startups pay nothing to be involved with BizSpark but there is a 100 dollar “exit fee” at the end of the three-year program or if companies leave for other reasons, such as being acquired or going bust.
More information about BizSpark can be found online at Microsoft Startup Zone and Microsoft BizSpark.