Microsoft BizSpark – Free help, Software, Venture Capitalists and Angel Connections

The program is designated for start up companies, and we have plenty of those in healthcare. You do need to qualify, but the website is pretty complete with instructions, information etc. You need to be in business for 3 years or less and have revenues of under a million, so that leaves open a pretty broad spectrum of potential candidates. If you were to pay for the software, depending on what your needs would be, the charges would start ringing up in in hurry. The FAQ page is located here.

If you are new to seeking venture capital funding, there is an entire page with advice, hints, and instructions on how to begin the process.

“Raising money from venture capitalists is the traditional way to fund startups, especially those that require substantial investment before selling a product. Companies with low startup costs, such as services delivered through the Web, may be self-funded or debt-financed, but VC funding is still the "classic" way to pay for a startup. These articles describe the dos and don’ts for working with VCs.”

“Angel investors are, broadly defined, high net-worth individuals who invest in entrepreneurial companies, usually at an early stage. They're similar to VCs in that they provide cash to young companies in return for equity, but typically invest in smaller amounts ($25K to $250K instead of $1M to $10M). These articles outline where to find angels, how to prepare for meeting with them, and what they’re looking for in companies.”

“Many countries have a range of government services available to help entrepreneurs start businesses, including loan programs and outright grants of money. Often, government funds will have so few strings attached that anyone eligible should seize them whenever possible. These articles point to government resources in the US and around the globe.

Business models are an essential planning tool for any startup, but veteran entrepreneurs know that cash is always king. The financial model shows investors how the company will manage its cash flow and when future cash infusions may be needed. These articles offer great advice for how to plan a financial strategy, what an effective financial model should cover, and how that model fits into the fundraising process.”

What is also interesting is the partner page where they have compiled a listing of venture capitalists and angel contributors to help get funding and financing for new ventures.

Included is the new web based “cloud” development platform Azure announced at the developer’s conference.

Microsoft® BizSpark™ is a global program designed to help accelerate the success of early stage startups by providing key resources when they need it the most:

Software. Receive fast and easy access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools, platform technologies, and production licenses of server products for immediate use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions. There is no upfront cost to enroll.
Support. Get connected to Network Partners around the world — incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies and hosters — that are equally involved and vested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship who will provide a wide range of support resources.
Visibility. Achieve global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners
As a Microsoft BizSpark member, you’ll be tapping into a rich, vibrant ecosystem of peers, partners and support resources around the globe, helping you grow and succeed. Microsoft BizSpark is the quickest way to get your Startup fired up.

Check to see if you qualify – most privately held software development startups in business for less than 3 years that are generating annual revenue under USD $1 million can join.
Connect with a BizSpark Network Partner or a Microsoft BizSpark Champ to get your BizSpark enrollment code.
Enrollment is free, just pay a USD $100 program offering fee at program exit.

Here’s what you get:

As a Microsoft® BizSpark™ member, you get access to software, support and a rich, vibrant ecosystem of peers, partners and support resources around the globe. Microsoft BizSpark is the quickest way to get your startup fired up.

Software

Development Tools, Platform Technologies and Production Licenses

All the software included in the Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN® Premium subscription
Expression® Studio Version 2
VSTS Team Foundation Server (standard edition)
Production use rights to host a “software as a service” solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to products including:
- Microsoft Windows Server® (all versions up to and including Enterprise)
- Microsoft SQL Server® (all versions)
- Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server
- Microsoft System Center
- Microsoft BizTalk® Server
- Microsoft Dynamics® CRM (coming soon)
In addition to the core program offering, BizSpark startups will be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, such as:

Also included is a blog listing to communicate and collaborate with Microsoft individuals. I tried to include the basics on this post, but if you are interested, visit the site. There are other resources available from Microsoft as well, such as their Tech Centers for larger software application development projects as well, listed under the Related Reading Section here. BD