AWS CloudStart FAQ
Q1: What is AWS CloudStart?
AWS CloudStart is a new program tailored to serve Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) globally. Through the program, EDOs identify small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that support their missions by using innovative AWS cloud technology to stimulate economies. The program offers SME trainings and promotional credits to support their digital transformation journeys. AWS CloudStart enables EDOs and businesses around the globe to use their expertise and to use the technological innovation at AWS to support their communities.
Q2: Who is this program for?
- Public sector organizations or public sector serving businesses
- New customers, customers that have been inactive for one year or longer, and customers with minimal billing activity equaling less than $100 USDs yearly
Q3. Who is this program not for?
- Commercial customers
- Customers currently participating with AWS Activate
Q4. What is an Economic Development Organization (EDO)?
In this context, an Economic Development Organization (EDO) is defined as an entity whose primary focus is to promote economic growth in a region, country, or industry. EDOs typically do so by promoting foreign direct investment or growth in existing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), however they may also promote economic growth through training, programs, information sharing, and more. If you are not sure whether you are eligible for the program, email CloudStart@amazon.com.
Q5. Do I have to be an EDO to use this program? What other types of organizations could leverage this program?
AWS CloudStart works with any organization promoting macroeconomic development through small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) while supporting the public sector. Other organizations that may leverage the program include nonprofit agencies, HealthTechs, and some Fintechs.
Q6. What is the AWS CloudStart customer portal?
The AWS CloudStart customer portal is an environment where approved users have exclusive access to program material once logged in. The portal contains exclusive training material, user guides, use cases, and announcements. The portal will be available globally by April 2019.
The public versions of training content may be accessed below until the portal is launched.
Q7. What are AWS technical advisory services?
Technical advisory services are advising services delivered by solutions architects that support end users with cloud migration issues, improve consistency, and help create a central location of knowledge, artifacts, and customer deliverables. These advisors are tenured engineers and consultants with experience creating advanced AWS architectures, automation, and documentation. To request support, please email CloudStart@amazon.com.
Q8. How do I get started as a new business organization or SME?
You will be asked to fill out an application and provide information about your agency or sponsor. Once your submission is reviewed and approved, you can access the portal to view a catalogue of programs, information on AWS Promotional Credits to distribute, and more.
SME Application »
Q9. How do I get a business enrolled in a program?
Once your agency is approved, you’ll be provided an AWS Organization ID that you can distribute to up to 100 SMEs. Make sure to check that the program specifications match the specific criteria that are noted on the main page. Ensure that you provide the link and the unique organizational ID to the businesses and they will be instructed to apply to the program. An example template will be provided when you receive your organizational ID.
Q10. Is there a limit on the amount of credits I can distribute?
Each EDO will have the ability to provide up to $2,500 in AWS Promotional Credits to 100 companies (for a total of $250,000 AWS Promotional Credits). These promotional credits will enable companies to start their business on the cloud by accessing AWS services and products, self-service labs, user experience ports, remote consulting, and other trainings so that they can further their ability to understand how to use cloud. AWS Terms and Conditions will apply for each company that signs up.
Q11. What if I have a question that is not addressed here?
If you have further inquiries about AWS and/or how to use our services and products, we encourage you to visit the AWS home page. If you are an EDO and have further inquiries about how you can maximize the cloud, reach out to CloudStart@amazon.com.
