Google for Startups Cloud Program

Who qualifies

• For startups with Pre-Seed to Series A funding, founded within the last 3-5 years
• Start ($2k) tier is designed for startups founded in the past 2 years, with a working MVP, a clear business model, and plans to seek venture funding soon
• Our Funded program tiers (Scale, and Scale AI) range from $200K - $350k in credits, and are designed for growing startups with verifiable Pre-Seed to Series A funding
• Customers must be located in a region where Google Cloud is available in GA, and available through self-service purchasing (for example, without any specialized contracts or terms of sale)

What you need

• Company website
• Funding / accelerator / VC referral
• Business email
• Account on the platform
• Mentioned on the official page; exact requirements may vary.

Typical approval time

• Not stated on the official page — check the claim page.

Step by step

1. Apply online; funded startups (Seed–Series A) qualify for higher tiers.
2. What do I need before I apply?
3. Empty sites or placeholder sites will not be considered, but you can always apply when your site is ready
4. Which billing account ID do I apply with?
5. Please check to ensure you are using the right email address and billing account before you submit your application
6. You create this ID when you sign up as a new Google Cloud account user
7. Can I re-apply if I participated in this program a few years ago but did not use my credits?

Common rejection reasons

• Customers are not eligible for credits if they operate a business outside of Google Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) or a business that involves any regulated industry or sector
• Credits may only be used by the original applicant and cannot be shared, split, or resold; doing so will result in termination of credits and program enrollment
• We screen for sites that are AI generated, and may reject your application if it contains a high volume of AI generated text, image, or other content
• Please note that non-venture funding like private equity, bank loans government innovation programs, grants, crowdfunding, or friends and family do not qualify for the Scale tier

Tips & fine print

• In most cases, you will receive an acceptance or rejection email from Google within 5-7 days
• Company domain must not have been subscribed to a paid Google Workspace plan from within 31 days of applying to the Google for Startups Cloud Program, to the day the benefit is requested
• Terms apply depending on your assigned tier