As a startup, the priority is to get the most accomplished by spending as little as possible. Microsoft has a global program called BizSpark, which helps software companies accomplish just that. For several years now, BizSpark has been putting startups in a position to build a lot of great software with free development tools, software & services. The program is only available to startups that are developing software, less than 5 years old, under 10 employees and are making less than $1 million in revenue. Sound like you? Then read on.

BizSpark offers startups up to 8 MSDN Ultimate subscriptions for their developers, which includes Visual Studio, Expression Studio, Windows, Windows Server, Windows Phone tools, SQL Server and more. As part of the program, startups also will get Windows Azure benefits, $6,500 a year in fact, to get your business up in the cloud! Evernote, RDIO & Careerify have already started reaping the rewards of BizSpark to build their products.

So how does BizSpark work? Startups from around the world can visit bizspark.com and submit an application describing the technology they are building. If you meet the eligibility requirements stated above and get approved, you can start taking advantage of your BizSpark benefits and develop incredible software. The program runs for three years and does not cost startups anything and there is no contract involved either. When a startup graduates from the program, they can keep all the software they and get a significant discount on updates and continued support. 

In addition, BizSpark members receive other great benefits including access to a huge community of peers spanning 100 countries, connections to investors and mentors and partner offers including free analytics and other apps. Members also receive a developer store account for the Windows & Windows Phone stores. Microsoft wants startups building great apps and the BizSpark program puts you in the ideal environment to achieve create amazing software and achieve your goals. Apply today and get coding while saving money.

To learn more about BizSpark, get help on accessing your benefits including videos & example usage check out the Canadian BizSpark page on WootStudio.