GitHub for Startups: What It Offers and How to Apply

Who is eligible

To qualify, startups must meet the following criteria:

Affiliation with a GitHub for Startups partner (VCs, accelerators, or startup support organizations).

Received outside funding up to Series B or earlier.

New to GitHub Enterprise, meaning the startup has not been on a GitHub Enterprise plan within the past six months.

Has not previously received GitHub credits or GitHub Enterprise licenses.

GitHub for Startups currently supports Enterprise Cloud accounts on GitHub.com only. GitHub Enterprise Server instances or enterprises with data residency requirements are not eligible.

How to apply

Startups must apply through a GitHub for Startups partner. Once approved, the primary email of the applicant will receive confirmation.

If your startup is not currently eligible, you can sign up for a trial of GitHub’s premium features (Enterprise, Advanced Security, Copilot) while awaiting eligibility or partner affiliation.

How credits work

Credits are applied to the startup’s Enterprise account and cannot be transferred. They are valid for up to 12 months from approval or until fully consumed, whichever occurs first.

Upon credit exhaustion or program expiration, active products will automatically transition to standard paid billing and will be charged to the payment method on file. Startups are responsible for tracking their credit usage.

If the account is downgraded from GitHub Enterprise before credits are fully consumed or the program period ends, the startup forfeits any remaining credits and cannot reapply.

Key terms and conditions

Credits are one-time and non-transferable. Startups may redeem the offer only once. Accounts found in violation of these terms may have credits revoked at GitHub’s discretion.

An authorization charge will be applied to the payment method on file within a few weeks of onboarding. Failure to maintain a valid payment method or a failed authorization will result in account lock.

All program and billing communications are sent to the primary email address of the Enterprise account owner(s). Participants must monitor this inbox.

How to become a GitHub for Startups partner

GitHub partners with leading VCs, accelerators, and startup support organizations to extend the program to early-stage startups. To apply as a partner, submit an application on the official GitHub for Startups partner page.

Additional resources for startups

GitHub-hosted events, livestreams, and meetups provide opportunities to connect with fellow founders and developers.