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GCP startup credits

The Google for Startups Cloud Program runs two tiers: a self-serve Start tier for early builders and a partner-backed Scale tier worth up to $200K across two years. Here is how each works and which to target.

Compare the tiersBack to directory

The tiers

Google for Startups, tier by tier

2 GCP programs we track. Amounts are representative seed data compiled from public pages — verify current terms before applying.

GCP
Up to $2,000
cloud credits

Google for Startups Cloud Program · Start

The self-serve entry tier for pre-funding GCP and Firebase builders.

No funding requiredSelf-apply12-month validity

Eligibility

  • Early-stage startup, typically pre-seed or seed
  • Founded within the last 10 years and not previously funded by the program
  • Self-apply directly through the Google for Startups site

Bundled perks

  • Google Cloud & Firebase credits
  • Technical training credits
  • Startup community access
View programGCP guide
GCP
Up to $200,000
cloud credits

Google for Startups Cloud Program · Scale

The funded-startup tier with two years of credits and a success manager.

Funding requiredPartner / accelerator24-month validity

Eligibility

  • Series A or earlier, backed by an approved investor, accelerator, or partner
  • Affiliated with the Google for Startups partner network
  • Not previously enrolled in the Scale tier

Bundled perks

  • Up to $200k year one + up to $100k year two
  • Dedicated startup success manager
  • Google Workspace & AI/ML training credits
View programGCP guide

How to apply

From the Start tier to the $200,000 Scale tier

  1. 1

    Start self-serve with the Start tier

    Pre-seed and seed founders can self-apply directly on the Google for Startups site for entry-level Google Cloud and Firebase credits — no investor referral needed.

  2. 2

    Get backed by an approved partner

    The Scale tier requires affiliation with an approved investor, accelerator, or partner in the Google for Startups network. Secure that relationship before applying.

  3. 3

    Apply for the Scale tier

    Series A or earlier startups backed by a partner can unlock up to $200K — a first-year grant plus a second-year top-up and a dedicated success manager.

  4. 4

    Spend across two years

    Scale credits are designed to cover two years of growth. Pair them with Google Workspace and AI/ML training credits to stretch your runway further.

FAQ

GCP startup credit questions

How much can a startup get from Google for Startups?
The self-serve Start tier grants entry-level credits for early builders, while the partner-backed Scale tier reaches up to $200K across two years, including a second-year top-up.
Do I need funding for Google Cloud startup credits?
Not for the Start tier — it is self-serve for pre-seed and seed founders. The higher Scale tier does require funding and affiliation with an approved investor, accelerator, or partner.
What is the difference between the Start and Scale tiers?
Start is a low-friction, self-apply tier for early-stage builders. Scale is the funded tier for Series A or earlier startups backed by a partner, offering far higher credits and a dedicated success manager.
Are Firebase costs covered by Google for Startups credits?
Yes. Google Cloud and Firebase usage draw from the same credit balance, so the program covers both your backend infrastructure and Firebase services.

Comparing providers?

See how Google Cloud stacks up against AWS and Azure startup programs.

AWS creditsAzure credits