Choose the AWS program by your startup initiative: Activate for eligible usage credits, a proof of concept to test a technical hypothesis, and MAP for a structured migration. Support for new workloads requires a defined scope and business case. This guide compares those paths; the credit guide below covers Founders, Portfolio, and how to apply.
For Founders and Portfolio eligibility and application steps, see our AWS Activate credits guide.
AWS Activate: the first step for growing startups
AWS Activate supports startups building and scaling products in the cloud. The program combines promotional credits, technical support, and development resources. Eligible startups may follow the Founders or Portfolio path depending on stage, relationship with an Activate Provider, previous credits, and other AWS criteria.
AWS decides eligibility, approval, and amount. Elevata does not issue credits; it helps review readiness, avoid inconsistent application details, and plan architecture that turns the benefit into real runway.
Proofs of concept: validate before expanding
A proof of concept fits when a startup needs to test technical feasibility and business value before committing to a larger implementation. The scope may involve generative AI, EKS, serverless, data, or another AWS capability that needs to be demonstrated under controlled conditions.
Depending on the case and AWS approval, funding may cover part of the partner work or credits may offset pilot consumption. The expected outcome is not only a demo: it should include success criteria, evidence, risks, and a clear decision about the next step.
Incremental Workloads: build, migrate, or expand a workload
Incremental Workloads is relevant when there is a concrete initiative that will increase AWS usage. The program commonly organizes work into three paths:
- Assess: evaluate the environment and define the delivery plan.
- Migrate: move a workload that is still outside AWS.
- Build: create a new workload or feature in areas such as AI/ML, containers, data, or non-relational databases.
Funding or credit availability depends on the initiative, business case, and AWS approval. The program is most useful when scope, owners, and expected impact are already clear.
MAP: for larger migrations
The AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) supports migrations with a substantial business case. It combines methodology, tools, training, and phased incentives to assess, mobilize, and migrate workloads at scale.
For a startup, MAP usually fits when complex workloads remain outside AWS, dependencies require careful planning, and the migration can support material growth on the platform. It is not the starting point for a small experiment.
How Elevata supports startups along the way
Elevata connects the appropriate program to an executable technical plan. The work may include eligibility review, scope definition, architecture, security, cost planning, implementation, and post-launch governance.
- Choose the program by stage and initiative, not only by incentive value.
- Turn a POC into a product and architecture decision.
- Deliver new workloads or migrations without losing control of security and cost.
- Plan the environment for after credits or funding end.
Use the AWS for Startups guide to evaluate the Activate path, or talk to Elevata about POC, Incremental Workloads, and MAP.
