Reviewed founder scenario
Startup cloud credits without a VC or accelerator
For a founder applying without a VC or accelerator referral, AWS Founders and Google Cloud Start offer public application routes worth checking, though both require passing manual vendor eligibility review.
The two direct routes on record
AWS · direct form
AWS Activate Founders
AWS Founders allows self-funded, pre-Series B startups founded within 10 years to apply via a public form for $1,000, with selected participants eligible for up to $5,000. It requires a paid-tier AWS account and manual vendor review.
Google Cloud · direct form
Google Cloud Start tier
Google Cloud Start accepts public applications from technology startups founded within 24 months that plan to seek venture funding, providing up to $2,000 for one year following manual review. Prior Google Cloud credits beyond the free trial disqualify.
What this does not establish
Approval is not guaranteed, as both programs rely on manual vendor review to determine application outcomes.
AWS application processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days. No reviewed Google processing window is asserted here.
Method and review
This answer evaluates every active AWS and Google Cloud Offer in the reviewed candidate closure. It keeps direct forms separate from provider, membership, and invite-only paths. Claims are bound to exact Catalog fields and one reviewed AWS processing fact; a changed Offer or candidate set suppresses this page until review.
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