Starting up and running a small business can be tough, but the new Startup America Partnership aims to make it easier and less expensive. Image: Flickr / comedynose / CC BY
Being an entrepreneur is tough, but a three-month-old private entity, supported by government partnerships, is aiming to make it a little bit easier. Startup America has announced an additional $400 million in business partnerships.
The Startup America Partnership
Startup America is a privately funded association that works in partnership with the U.S. federal government. The Startup America Partnership is technically a White House initiative but is privately funded and managed. Startup America aims to provide discounts and special programs to entrepreneurs to help them start and grow a business. The partnership provides preferred pricing and discounts to members of Startup America as well as workshops, classes and business information that could otherwise cost thousands of dollars. Small businesses account for 44 percent or more of U.S. payroll and generate more than 60 percent of new jobs in the United States. The partnership is intended to help encourage more of these small businesses to grow and hire.
$400 million in new funding
On April 20, Startup America announced more than $400 million in new commitments from big-name businesses. American Express has committed $125 million in preferred pricing for Startup America companies. Google is donating $100 million of Google Ads credits. Facebook will be hosting “Startup Days” in May. HP is offering $100 million in discounts on products for startup companies. Cisco, Ernst and Young, First Data, LinkedIn, The National center for Women & Information Technology and Palindrome Advisors have also signed up to provide services and discounts. This is in addition to existing partnerships with Astia, Cisco, Mass Challenge, IBM, Artists & Instigators, the Pearson Foundation, American Association of Community Colleges, Causecast, Intel, FirstData, Google, Intuit, Microsoft and hundreds more.
Getting involved with Startup America
If you are a small business owner or have an idea for a business, you can get help from the Startup America Partnership. Either before or after you’ve gotten personal loans to start your business, it’s as simple as signing up. Register at Startupamericaparternship.org and start browsing the available deals for your business. Each company has slightly different requirements to take advantage of their Startup America Partnership programs, but they are all listed in that central place. Depending on the business you are starting, the deals with the Startup America Partnership could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Sources
Startup America Partnership Website
SBA.gov
