Microsoft BizSpark – helping Europe’s entrepreneurs

EBAN has become a Network Partner for Microsoft BizSpark, a global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage start-ups through access to technology, support and visibility. To be eligible for Microsoft BizSpark, companies must be developing software, privately held, less than three years old and making less than US $1 million annually. So, it is ideal for the many start-ups being nurtured by EBAN members.

BizSpark is integral to the partnership between EBAN and Microsoft and shows how the two organisations are working together to support the region’s emerging business community. Already, EBAN has been instrumental in helping to spread awareness about Microsoft BizSpark and has encouraged many regions and investors to become part of this exciting initiative. In its first year alone, more than 25,000 start-ups in over 100 countries joined BizSpark worldwide and more than 2,000 organizations have become BizSpark Network Partners. 

Microsoft BizSpark benefits for entrepreneurs:

• Software - BizSpark provides fast and easy access to current, full-featured Microsoft development tools and server product licenses, with no upfront costs.
• Support - community-driven support (guidance, resources and mentoring); professional support from Microsoft; unlimited email support; training; and invitations to local technical events.
• Visibility - each BizSpark member can profile its organization in the BizSparkDB, an online startup directory hosted on the Microsoft Startupzone website. Through this and other communication activities, Startups will get exposure to potential investors, partners and customers around the world.

Become a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner!

Are you eligible to become a BizSpark Network Partner? Network Partners are active members of the local software ecosystem engaged with high-potential, early stage startups. They are organizations specifically focused on supporting software entrepreneurs and startups, or whose activities include a focus on promoting and supporting software start-ups through programs, mentoring, networking, business advice, financial and legal assistance, or similar services and activities.

You can easily register as a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner following the steps below:

• Step 1: Click here to enroll as BizSpark Network Partner by using the EBAN Code: KO5GeLgka9
• Step 2: Accept the Network Partner agreement, fill in basic company, primary and secondary contact information and you are all set, pre-approved and ready to invite eligible Start-ups! 
• Step 3: Download the Network Partner Welcome Kit from the BizSpark web site which provides helpful instruction and ready-to-use promotional materials to help get your BizSpark launch off to a smooth start.

Why become a BizSpark Network Partner?

• The opportunity to provide start-ups access to valuable technology-based benefits -  helping to support and advance innovation and cross-platform interoperability - but at no cost to the Network Partner’s organization.
• Exposure to new, high-potential technology start-ups - featured on Microsoft StartupZone and other Microsoft BizSpark websites.
• Microsoft Network Partner receive global exposure - which could include promotion on Microsoft websites, podcasts, webcasts, newsletters, as well as joint PR and marketing initiatives.

To find out more about BizSpark, please visit: www.microsoft.com/bizspark or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Also, read more on a successful partnership between EBAN and Microsoft with Veraventure, a Finnish venture capital company, here