Merge pull request #302314 from MicrosoftDocs/release-AFS-updates

[Scheduled Publish] azure-docs-pr -  release-AFS-updates -> main  - 07/09 - 10:00 AM

Author: Albertyang0

.openpublishing.redirection.json

@@ -7223,6 +7223,11 @@
       "source_path": "articles/governance/policy/samples/hipaa-hitrust-9-2.md",
       "redirect_url": "/azure/governance/policy/samples/hipaa-hitrust",
       "redirect_document_id": false
+    },
+    {
+      "source_path": "articles/signups/startup-programs.md",
+      "redirect_url": "/azure/signups/overview",
+      "redirect_document_id": false
     }
   ]
 }

articles/signups/TOC.yml

@@ -10,8 +10,6 @@
     href: azure-usage.md
   - name: Help and support
     href: startup-help.md
-  - name: Understanding your credit offer
-    href: startup-programs.md
 - name: Resources
   items:
   - name: Microsoft for Startups

articles/signups/index.yml

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 ### YamlMime:Landing
 
 title: Azure startup credit offer documentation
-summary: Eligible startups can receive $1,000 USD in Azure credits to explore the latest AI models and start building on Azure. Get started at microsoft.com/startups.
+summary: Microsoft is here to support your startup from idea to scale. Get started with $1,000 USD in Azure credits–no application needed. Then, verify your startup to unlock up to $5,000 USD in credits to keep building and growing on Azure. Get started at microsoft.com/startups.
 
 metadata:
   title: Azure startup credit offer documentation | Microsoft Learn # Required; page title displayed in search results. Include the brand. < 60 chars.
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ metadata:
   ms.topic: landing-page # Required
   author: jesscraze #Required; your GitHub user alias, with correct capitalization.
   ms.author: jecru #Required; microsoft alias of author; optional team alias.
-  ms.date: 04/10/2025 #Required; mm/dd/yyyy format.
+  ms.date: 06/26/2025 #Required; mm/dd/yyyy format.
 
 landingContent:
 # Cards and links should be based on top customer tasks or top subjects
@@ -22,8 +22,6 @@ landingContent:
         links:
           - text: What is the Azure startup credit offer?
             url: overview.md
-          - text: Understanding your credit offer
-            url: startup-programs.md
 
   # Card 
   - title: Get started with Azure
@@ -36,11 +34,9 @@ landingContent:
             url: startup-help.md
 
   # Card
-  - title: Join Microsoft for Startups
+  - title: About Microsoft for Startups
     linkLists:
       - linkListType: overview
         links:
           - text: What is Microsoft for Startups?
             url: /microsoft-for-startups/overview
-          - text: Apply for Microsoft for Startups
-            url: https://microsoft.com/startups

articles/signups/overview.md

@@ -1,89 +1,149 @@
 ---
-title: Get $1,000 in Azure Credits for Startups | Microsoft Learn
-description: Eligible startups can receive $1,000 in Azure credits to explore AI models and start building on Azure. Learn how to qualify, redeem your credits, and maximize your benefits within the first 90 days.
+title: Get up to $5,000 in Azure Credits for Startups | Microsoft Learn
+description: Eligible startups can receive up to $5,000 in Azure credits to explore AI models and start building on Azure. Learn how to qualify, redeem your credits, and maximize your benefits.
 author: jesscraze
 ms.author: jecru
 ms.service: azure
 ms.topic: overview
-ms.date: 04/08/2025
-
+ms.date: 06/25/2025
 ---
 
-# Get $1,000 to build on Azure
+# Get up to $5,000 in Azure credits to build and grow your startup
+
+Microsoft is here to support your startup from idea to scale. Get started with $1,000 USD in Azure credits–no application needed. Then, verify your startup to unlock up to $5,000 USD in credits to keep building and growing on Azure.
+
+## Step 1: Redeem $1,000 in Azure credits
+
+Eligible startups can receive $1,000 USD in Azure credits to explore AI models and start building on Azure. Startup credits are valid for 90 days from the date of redemption and can be used toward [eligible Azure products](https://azure.microsoft.com/products/).
 
-Eligible startups can receive $1,000 USD in Azure credits to explore the latest AI models and start building on Azure. This startup credit offer can be used for [eligible Azure products](https://azure.microsoft.com/products/) within the first 90 days of sign-up.
+### How to get started
 
-## Eligibility criteria
+1. Go to microsoft.com/startups.
+2. Sign in with your personal Microsoft Account (MSA).
+1. Set up your Azure account to redeem the credits. Your credits are automatically applied to your new Azure Sponsorship subscription.
 
-To qualify for the startup credit offer, you must meet the following criteria:
+You have 90 days to use your credits. Your subscription automatically converts to pay-as-you-go once your startup credit is fully used, or 90 days have passed, whichever comes first.
+
+### Eligibility requirements
+
+To qualify for the $1,000 startup credit offer:
 
 - You must be a new Azure customer with no prior Azure account.
-- You must sign up or sign in using a valid personal Microsoft Account (MSA).
+- You must sign in using a valid personal Microsoft Account (MSA).
 - You must be in a country/region where this Azure offer is available.
 
-Learn more about the [Azure sponsorship offer](https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/offers/ms-azr-0036p/) and review the [Azure Service Agreement & Terms](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/legal/).
+## Step 2: Unlock up to $5,000 with business verification
+
+After redeeming the initial $1,000 credit, eligible startups can unlock up to $5,000 USD in Azure credits by completing business verification. These credits are valid for 180 days from the date your verification is approved.
+
+### How to verify your startup
+
+From the Azure portal, follow the prompts to:
+
+- Confirm your business address
+- Provide business registration details
+- Share a brief description of your startup
+
+Verification may take up to seven business days. To check your status, go to the Azure portal and select "Check verification status" from the homepage.
+
+Once verified, the additional credits are applied automatically to your Azure account. You have 180 days to use your startup credits. Your subscription automatically converts to pay-as-you-go after the 180-day period or once credits are exhausted.
+
+### Additional eligibility requirements
+
+To qualify for up to $5,000 in Azure credits:
 
-## Exclusions
+- You must have redeemed the initial $1,000 startup credit.
 
-The startup credit offer cannot be used for Microsoft Azure support plans, third-party branded products, products sold through Microsoft Azure Marketplace, or products otherwise sold separately from Microsoft Azure. Additionally, startup credits cannot be combined with other licensing, prepaid, or credit offers.
+- Your startup must be a registered legal business entity.
+- Verification must be completed within 90 days of initial redemption.
+- You must develop and own a software-based product or service. The software must not be licensed from another party.
+- You must not be a government agency, educational institution, consultancy, agency, development shop, personal blog, or crypto mining operation.
 
-By redeeming the startup credit offer, you agree not to facilitate, engage in, or participate in any use of Azure services for crypto currency mining, denial of service attacks, spamming, or illegal activity, and/or any use that could cause harm to Microsoft or others, and will enforce strong internal controls to prevent the same. If Microsoft believes for any reason that such Azure services are being used for any prohibited purpose, Microsoft may, in its sole discretion, suspend or terminate your access to the Azure services.
+## Terms and conditions
+
+By redeeming and using Azure startup credits, you agree to the [Azure Service Agreement & Terms](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/legal/) and the [Microsoft Privacy Statement](https://www.microsoft.com/privacy/privacystatement). Learn more about the [Microsoft Azure Sponsorship Offer Details](https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/offers/ms-azr-0036p/).
+
+Startup credits cannot be used for Microsoft Azure support plans, third-party branded products, products sold through Microsoft Azure Marketplace, or products otherwise sold separately from Microsoft Azure. Additionally, startup credits cannot be combined with other licensing, prepaid, or credit offers.
+
+By redeeming startup credits, you agree not to facilitate, engage in, or participate in any use of Azure services for crypto currency mining, denial of service attacks, spamming, or illegal activity, and/or any use that could cause harm to Microsoft or others, and will enforce strong internal controls to prevent the same. If Microsoft believes for any reason that such Azure services are being used for any prohibited purpose, Microsoft may, in its sole discretion, suspend or terminate your access to the Azure services.
 
 ## Frequently asked questions
 
-### How do I redeem my startup credit offer?
+### I'm seeing an eligibility error. What should I do? 
 
-Get started at [microsoft.com/startups](https://microsoft.com/startups). Sign in with your personal Microsoft Account (MSA) to redeem the $1,000 startup credit offer for eligible startups directly in the Azure portal. Once you sign up, your credits are automatically applied to your Azure Sponsorship subscription. You can start using your credits immediately for eligible Azure services.
+The startup credit offer is only available for new Azure customers using a personal Microsoft Account (MSA). If you see an error: 
 
+- Confirm you’re signed in with an MSA. If signed in with a work or school account, sign out and switch to an MSA.
+- Ensure you don’t have an existing Azure subscription. If you do, you aren't eligible for the startup credit offer.
 ### Why do I need a credit card to redeem my startup credit offer?
 
-Your credit card is required for:
+Your credit card is required to:
 
-- Verifying your identity.
-- Paying for services not covered by your startup credits. See [which Azure services](https://azure.microsoft.com/products/) are included.
-- Ensuring a seamless transition to pay-as-you-go when your startup credits expire.
+- Verify your identity.
+- Pay for services not covered by your startup credits. See [which Azure services](https://azure.microsoft.com/products/) are included.
+- Ensure a seamless transition to pay-as-you-go.
 
-### How do I resolve Azure activation errors related to my credit card?
+If you're having trouble, learn how to [troubleshoot credit card issues](/azure/cost-management-billing/troubleshoot-billing/troubleshoot-declined-card).
 
-Learn how to [troubleshoot credit card issues](/azure/cost-management-billing/troubleshoot-billing/troubleshoot-declined-card).
+### Why is business verification required to get more credits?
 
-### I signed in but I'm seeing an error about my eligibility. What should I do?
+Verification confirms your eligibility and helps prevent fraudulent use of the startup credits. Verification can only be submitted once per startup, so ensure all your information is complete and accurate before submitting.
 
-The startup credit offer is only available for new Azure customers using a personal Microsoft Account (MSA). If you see an eligibility error:
+### I don't see the option to verify. What now?
 
-- Check your account type. If signed in with a work or school account, sign out and switch to an MSA.
-- Check your Azure account. If you have an existing Azure subscription, you aren't eligible for the startup credit offer.
-- Continue without credits. Explore relevant services and AI templates to build your startup on Azure.
+If you're not seeing the option to verify, make sure that:
 
-### How long do I have to use my startup credit offer?
+- You've redeemed the initial $1,000 credit.
+- You're within the 90-day window for verification.
+- Your startup hasn’t already been verified or denied.
 
-You have 90 days after activating your startup credit offer to use your credits. Any unused credits will expire after 90 days.
+### What if my business can't be verified?
 
-### What happens when my $1,000 startup credit runs out or expires?
+You can continue using the $1,000 startup credit but are not eligible for additional credits.
 
-Your Azure Sponsorship subscription will automatically convert to pay-as-you-go once your $1,000 startup credit is fully used or 90 days have passed, whichever comes first. You'll only pay for what you use while continuing to access [65+ free services](https://azure.microsoft.com/pricing/purchase-options/azure-account?icid=payg#free-services). There's no upfront commitment, and you can [cancel your subscription](/azure/cost-management-billing/manage/cancel-azure-subscription) at any time.
+### What happens when my startup credits run out or expire?
 
-### Can I request more time to use my startup credit offer?
+Your subscription automatically converts to pay-as-you-go. There’s no upfront commitment, and you can [cancel your subscription](/azure/cost-management-billing/manage/cancel-azure-subscription) at any time.
 
-No, any unused credits will expire after 90 days.
+### Can I request more time to use my startup credits?
 
-### How can I get more Azure credits?
-
-Startups that are incorporated or registered as a legal entity are invited to [join Microsoft for Startups](/microsoft-for-startups/) to receive Azure credits, dedicated support, and discounted first- and third-party products and services.
+No, any unused credits expire 90 days after initial redemption or 180 days after successful verification. Expiration periods can't be extended.
 
 ### Can I transfer my startup credits to a different Microsoft Account (MSA)?
 
-No, startup credits can’t be transferred between accounts. Once your credits are activated, they’re tied to the MSA you used during redemption and can’t be moved to another account.
+No, startup credits can’t be transferred between accounts. Once your credits are activated, they’re tied to the MSA you used during redemption.
 
 ### Can I apply my startup credits to multiple accounts?
 
-No, Azure benefits are applied on an account level and can't be shared or merged with multiple accounts.
+No, startup credits can't be shared or merged with multiple accounts.
+
+### How can I get more Azure credits?
+
+If your startup is affiliated with the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network, you may be eligible for a higher level of support from Microsoft for Startups. This includes enhanced benefits, increased Azure credits, access to advanced AI services, expert technical guidance, and go-to-market support–all designed to help you build faster, scale smarter, and reach more customers.
+
+Learn more about [Microsoft for Startups](/microsoft-for-startups/).
+
+### What is the difference between the Azure startup credit offer and Microsoft for Startups?
+
+Microsoft is committed to supporting startups at every stage. We offer two paths to get started with Azure:
 
-### I'm seeing the startup homepage but prefer the default view. How can I switch?
+- Azure startup credit offer - Open to all eligible startups with no application required. This offer provides up to $5,000 USD in Azure credits, with $1,000 available immediately to explore the latest AI models and start building on Azure.
+- Microsoft for Startups - Designed for startups affiliated with the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network, this program offers enhanced benefits designed to help you build faster, scale smarter, and reach more customers. Benefits include increased Azure credits, access to advanced AI services, expert technical guidance, and go-to-market support to help drive visibility and growth.
 
-The startup homepage is designed to help founders quickly discover and develop AI solutions. To switch to the default view, go to the Azure portal settings > Appearance, and set the Homepage type to Home (preview). You can also toggle off the new Azure experience from the homepage to access other views.
+### How do I switch back to the default Azure portal homepage?
 
+The startup homepage is designed to help founders quickly discover and develop AI solutions. To return to the default view:
+1. Open the Azure portal.
+2. Go to Settings > Appearance.
+3. Under Homepage type, select Home (preview).
+4. You can toggle off the new Azure experience from the homepage to access other views.
 
 ### How can I get help accessing my Microsoft Account (MSA)?
 
 See the [Microsoft Account troubleshooting guide](https://support.microsoft.com/account-billing/i-can-t-sign-in-to-my-microsoft-account-475c9b5c-8c25-49f1-9c2d-c64b7072e735) for sign-in help.
+
+### How do I delete data associated with my verification?
+
+By submitting your business verification, you acknowledge that you have read the [Microsoft Privacy Statement](https://www.microsoft.com/privacy/privacystatement) and give Microsoft permission to collect your data and contact you regarding your application.
+
+To delete your data, you need to [close your Microsoft account](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/account-billing/how-to-close-your-microsoft-account-c1b2d13f-4de6-6e1b-4a31-d9d668849979). Once your account is closed and the re-open window has passed, [your data](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/view-your-data-on-the-privacy-dashboard-03d3e27f-1981-5ff4-ba1c-d6b1031ae433) will be permanently deleted. If you'd like a copy of your data, you can [download your data](https://account.microsoft.com/privacy/download-data).

articles/signups/startup-help.md

@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 ---
-
 title: Get Help with Azure Startup Credits | Microsoft Learn
 description: Learn how to troubleshoot Azure startup credit issues using Microsoft Q&A and Azure support. Get answers to technical questions, create support requests, and explore learning resources.
 author: jesscraze
@@ -16,7 +15,12 @@ Azure support and Microsoft Q&A are your go-to resources for troubleshooting iss
 
 ## Azure support
 
-Your startup credit offer includes a [Basic support plan](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/plans/) for your Azure Sponsorship subscription. This plan provides billing and subscription management support at no extra cost via the Azure portal.
+Your $1,000 startup credit offer includes a [Basic support plan](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/plans/) for your Azure Sponsorship subscription. This plan provides billing and subscription management support at no extra cost via the Azure portal.
+
+Startups that verify their business and unlock up to $5,000 USD in Azure credits receive a complimentary [Developer support plan](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/plans/), which includes:
+
+- Technical support for Azure services.
+- Access to Support Engineers via prioritized responses on Microsoft Q&A.
 
 ## Microsoft Q&A
 
@@ -36,9 +40,11 @@ To create a support request, go to [Help + support](https://go.microsoft.com/fwl
 
 You can create a subscription management support request in the Azure portal even if your subscription hasn't yet been created.
 
-### How do I get technical support?
+### Can I change my Azure support plan?
+
+Yes, you can upgrade your support plan anytime through the [Azure portal](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2202212). Your startup credit offers include a support plan at no additional cost, though the level of support may vary based on your business verification status.
 
-Technical support is provided through a paid Azure support plan. [Compare Azure support plans](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/plans/). Azure support plans aren't covered by your startup credits.
+Upgraded support plans aren't covered by your startup credits and will be billed separately. To explore your options, [compare Azure support plans](https://azure.microsoft.com/support/plans/).
 
 ### Where can I find Azure documentation and learning resources?