AWS Public Sector Startup Ramp

Frequently asked questions about AWS Public Sector Startup Ramp

Are you beginning to build your business on Amazon Web Services (AWS) or expanding your offerings? Look to AWS Public Sector Startup Ramp to help you build solutions that are secure, smart, scalable, and cost-effective. AWS Public Sector Startup Ramp offers various features and resources to support you in your journey. Whether you are a brand new startup or an existing business running on AWS, there are plenty of opportunities to advance your business.

General questions

What is Public Sector Startup Ramp?

The AWS Public Sector Startup Ramp is a program designed to help startups build and scale innovative solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Navigating the public sector is no simple task, and you shouldn't do it alone. The program offers you the tools and resources needed to overcome challenges and accelerate the growth of your startup.

Are Public Sector Startup Ramp and Activate the same?

No. While they both offer rich support and credits to startups; they are two completely different programs. Activate program generally works directly with institutional investors and startups who are funded by institutional investor can leverage AWS Promotional Credit allocated to investors through the Activate program. Public Sector Startup Ramp focuses on startups who offer solution to global public sector and regulated industries customers. The program works directly with startups, and not through investors.

Can customers be a member of Activate and Public Sector Startup Ramp?

Yes. A startup who has AWS Promotional Credit through the Activate program can also apply to be a member for the Startup Ramp program and receive credit through the program. There is no guarantee they will be accepted, but just because they were in Activate does not mean they will be precluded from Startup Ramp.

What is the difference between EdStart, GovTechStart, and Public Sector Startup Ramp?

Even though all three programs have somewhat similar mechanisms, i.e., working directly with startups, providing mentorship, credit, and access to the AWS startup community, the target startups are different. EdStart serves startups who are building solution for education vertical and is a global program. GovTechStart serves startups who are building solutions targeted for US state and local government customers and are based/incorporated in the US. Startup Ramp serves startups who are building solutions for global public sector, including US federal government, nonprofit, regulated industries, and global public sector customers beyond just the US.

How can the startup choose the right program for them?

Go to the AWS public sector startups homepage to choose the program you want to leverage.

What is the best way to get my customers into Public Sector Startup Ramp?

Please guide them to the webpage and have them submit an application.

Are you extending AWS Promotional Credit?

No. According to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms and Conditions webpage, “Promotional Credit is valid for a limited time only and expires on the date indicated when you receive the applicable Promotional Credit code (or such other date designated by your AWS contracting entity). Failure to use Promotional Credit before such expiration date will result in the forfeiture of Promotional Credit. We reserve the right to cancel Promotional Credit at any time. No refunds will be granted for any expired or cancelled Promotional Credit.”

If the address of your customer is in India, is there any change?

  • The process/details about the program are the same in India.
  • Amazon Internet Services Private Limited (AISPL) is local seller on record for AWS services in India.
  • AISPL provides and administers the Startup Ramp program in India for such AISPL customers.
  • An AISPL leader has the final approval on granting credits for such AISPL customers.
  • Customers in India should be made aware of AISPL, which is an independent legal entity, and of its distinction with AWS inc. (the US entity)

Do I need to be an AWS customer to join Public Sector Startup Ramp?

Yes. You must have an active AWS account with a valid payment method on file to join Public Sector Startup Ramp. You can learn more about AWS accounts here.

How do I set up an AWS account?

Visit About AWS to create your no-cost account today.

How can I learn more about Public Sector Startup Ramp members?

A Startup Ramp member portal will be coming soon, which will allow you to not only learn about, but also connect with other Public Sector Startup Ramp members once you become a member.

How do I become a Public Sector Startup Ramp member?

To become a part of the Public Sector Startup Ramp, you will need to complete the application form and apply to be accepted into the program. For more details, please visit the Public Sector Startup Ramp page.

How long can I stay in Public Sector Startup Ramp?

There is no specific time limit.

How long does it take to be accepted into Public Sector Startup Ramp?

Applications are processed within 10-12 business days. You will receive a welcome email once you have been accepted into the Public Sector Startup Ramp.

Are all applicants accepted into the Public Sector Startup Ramp?

Due to a high volume of applications, applying does not guarantee your acceptance into the program. For qualification criteria for a specific Public Sector Startup Ramp tier, please visit the Public Sector Startup Ramp information page.

How much AWS Promotional Credit can I expect to receive from various Public Sector Startup Ramp Tiers?

Standard promotional credit for Public Sector Startup Ramp Innovator is $500, and Member tier participants are eligible for $1k, $3k, $5k, $10k, $20k, and above credits. This may change based on startups’ needs, previous allocations of AWS Promotional Credit, and outlined usage.

Does AWS Promotional Credit expire?

Yes. Public Sector Startup Ramp Promotional Credits will expire on the date indicated when you receive the applicable Promotional Credit code (or such other date designated by your AWS contracting entity). Failure to use AWS Promotional Credit before the expiration date will result in the forfeiture of AWS Promotional Credit. We reserve the right to cancel AWS Promotional Credit at any time. No refunds will be granted for any expired or cancelled AWS Promotional Credit.

Can you extend my AWS Promotional Credit?

No. AWS Promotional Credit will expire on the date indicated when you receive the applicable AWS Promotional Credit code (or such other date designated by your AWS contracting entity) and will not be extended.

If I need more AWS Promotional Credit, can I get them from Public Sector Startup Ramp?

No. Promotional Credit is designed to be a short-term, finite tool for empowering your long-term success. Once the credit is fully utilized, or expires, you will have the opportunity to benefit from the other resources AWS makes available for architecting your infrastructure and optimizing your costs.

Where can I learn more about AWS Promotional Credit?

You can learn more about AWS Promotional Credit on this webpage.

Will we be notified if our company does not qualify for the Public Sector Startup Ramp members tier?

We process applications within approximately 10-12 business days. We make reasonable attempts to follow up with each applicant. However, in cases where the AWS account ID is invalid, or the email address provided is a personal address instead of a corporate email address, we reserve the right to remove your application from the queue and you may not receive a follow up.

As a member of Public Sector Startup Ramp, can I use the AWS logo on my website?

Powered by AWS logo

You can display the Powered By Amazon Web Services logo, as seen here, to let your customers know your application is built on the same reliable, scalable infrastructure used to power Amazon.com’s global web properties. Visit the AWS co-marketing tools page for more details. Use of this logo and any AWS marks are subject to AWS trademark guidelines.

As a member of Public Sector Startup Ramp, can I use the Public Sector Startup Ramp member icon on my website?

Yes. You can display the Public Sector Startup Ramp member icon on your website to let your customers know that you are a Public Sector Startup Ramp Member. Use of the icon is subject to AWS Trademark Guidelines.

Can I mention AWS as the technology sponsor for my organization?

No. AWS is not a sponsor of any startup or other startup-enabling organization. Public Sector Startup Ramp is not a sponsorship program.

I want to report feedback or have a question that is not listed. Where do I go?

To report an issue or error on the Public Sector Startup Ramp page or to get answers to additional questions, please contact us.

Is there a cost to apply for Public Sector Startup Ramp or to become a Public Sector Startup Ramp Member?

No, Startup Ramp is a complimentary offering.

Does AWS take any equity stake in Public Sector Startup Ramp Members?

AWS does not take any equity from Public Sector Startup Ramp Members.

Is there a deadline to apply for the program?

No, Public Sector Startup Ramp is an ongoing program. You can apply at any time.

Are there any requirements of Public Sector Startup Ramp Members in the program?

No, once you are in the program, there are no requirements for remaining in the program, except the time-based exit described in an earlier FAQ. However, if you want to participate in marketing activities, such as being featured in blog posts, you must sign and return the AWS Marketing Authorization Form.

What is the process for exiting the program?

If you wish to leave the program in the interim, you may do so at any time by emailing the team. Once we receive your email request, we will remove you from the program database and webpage. Please note that this removal process may take up to five business days.

If my country is not listed on the application page, does that mean Public Sector Startup Ramp is not available to me?

We are in the process of expanding the program globally, but currently the program is only available to customers headquartered in the countries listed on the Startup Ramp page. Please check back soon for updates.

** Amazon Internet Services Private Limited (AISPL) provides and administers Startup Ramp in India.

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