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Easy to Apply

4.3/5

GitHub for Startups

Up to $10,000 in credits + free GitHub Enterprise (20 seats) for early-stage startups

Credit Value

Up to $10,000

Credits valid for up to 12 months.

Apply Now

Credit Value

Up to $10,000

Apply Effort

Easy to Apply

Our Rating

4.3/5

Best For

Startups using GitHub for version control, CI/CD, AI coding (Copilot), and security

What You Get

GitHub for Startups gives early-stage companies $10,000 in flexible platform credits and free access to GitHub Enterprise tools. It includes Copilot, Advanced Security, Actions, and more — helping teams build, ship, and scale faster.

Key Benefits

$10,000 in GitHub credits (usable on Enterprise, Copilot, Advanced Security, etc.)
Up to 20 seats of GitHub Enterprise free for 12 months (50% off in year 2)
Priority onboarding, architecture reviews, and technical support
Access to GitHub’s startup community and resources

Available Tiers

$10000 credits + 20 Enterprise seats

✓ Who Qualifies

Early-stage startup (pre-seed to Series A/B typical)
Building a technology product
Affiliated with a GitHub partner (VC, accelerator) or direct application
New to GitHub Enterprise (or low usage)
Have a company/organization GitHub account

✗ Limitations

Credits are platform-specific to GitHub tools
Higher value often requires partner referral
12-month initial term (discount in year 2)
Approval at GitHub’s discretion
Must actively use the platform to maximize value

How to Apply

1
Visit https://github.com/enterprise/startups
2
Sign in with your GitHub organization account
3
Fill out the startup application (company details, funding, use case)
4
If via partner (VC/accelerator): Get a referral code
5
Submit for review (1–3 business days typical)
6
Once approved, credits and Enterprise access are added
7
Start using GitHub Enterprise, Copilot, and Advanced Security

Our Take

GitHub for Startups is one of the best developer-focused programs. The combination of $10K credits + free Enterprise seats makes professional-grade tools (including Copilot and Advanced Security) accessible for early teams.

Worth applying? Yes — almost every software startup uses GitHub. This program removes cost barriers for enterprise features during critical growth phases.

Insider tips: Apply through your VC or accelerator for faster approval and better terms. Use credits on Copilot and Advanced Security for maximum impact. The 50% discount in year 2 helps with continuity. Combine with other dev tools credits (Vercel, Replit, etc.).

Common Questions

Is GitHub for Startups legit?

Yes — official program from GitHub (Microsoft).

How much credit do I get?

Up to $10,000 in flexible platform credits.

Do I need a VC to qualify?

Preferred for best value, but direct applications are possible for qualifying startups.

What can I use the credits for?

GitHub Enterprise, Copilot licenses, Advanced Security, Actions, and other metered features.

How long do the benefits last?

12 months initial (with 50% off in year 2 for qualifying teams).

Is it good for open-source projects?

Yes — GitHub has strong open-source support alongside the startup benefits.

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