AWS credits for solo founders: team size is not on the AWS checklist.
The AWS rules do not mention co-founders. A solo founder applies for Activate like anyone else: Founders is $1,000 to start, up to $5,000. A vetted AWS partner can file MAP, POC or IW funding for your work: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
- The AWS credits page lists the rules: pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, and an AWS account on a paid plan. Team size is not one of them.
- With no investor, apply for Activate Founders yourself: $1,000 to start, up to $5,000. With an investor that is an Activate Provider, apply for Portfolio (up to $200,000) with its Org ID.
- A vetted AWS partner can file MAP, POC or incremental workload (IW) funding for your work: $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
IWhat AWS checks, and what it does not
Pre-Series B, founded in the last 10 years, with an AWS account on a paid plan. You must be new to Activate credits or ask for more than you got before.
Those rules come from the AWS credits page. They do not mention headcount or co-founders. A solo founder applies the same way as a team.
Earlier versions of this page quoted approval rates and close times for solo founders. CloudRoute has no such data, and AWS does not publish it. The only review time AWS states for Activate is 5 to 10 business days.
For partner-filed funding, AWS looks at the workload: the migration, the test or the new work. Headcount is not the question.
IITwo AWS routes for a one-person company
You apply for one route yourself. A vetted AWS partner files the other for specific work.
- Activate (you apply): Founders is $1,000 to start, up to $5,000, self-serve. Portfolio is up to $200,000 with an Org ID from your Activate Provider, such as an accelerator or VC firm.
- Partner-filed funding (a partner files): MAP if you are moving to AWS, POC if you want to test something, IW if you are already on AWS and launching new work. $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves.
For most solo founders with no VC behind them, the partner route is the larger one. The two are separate, so you can apply for Activate and also work with a partner.
AWS reviews every request and decides. Sources: the AWS MAP page and the AWS partner funding page.
IIIWho files each kind of AWS funding
You apply for Activate credits yourself. Only an AWS consulting partner can request MAP, POC and incremental workload (IW) funding.
| Funding | Who files it | Amount | When it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are not on AWS yet and want to migrate. |
| Proof of concept (POC) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You want to test something, whether or not you are on AWS today. |
| Incremental workload (IW) funding | Your matched AWS partner | $50K to $150K for startups. Depends on the workload; AWS approves. | You are already on AWS and are launching new work: a new AI feature, a new customer or a new contract. |
| AWS Activate Founders | Founder applies | $1,000 to start, up to $5,000 | Self-funded startups with no investor or accelerator behind them. |
| AWS Activate Portfolio | Founder applies | up to $200,000 | Startups backed by a VC firm, accelerator or angel investor that is an AWS Activate Provider. |
| AWS Credits for AI Startups | Invite only (AWS account manager) | $200,000 or more, by invitation | AI startups ready to scale after Activate Portfolio, invited by AWS. |
How a match works (example)
- You tell us about the work
You fill in a short form: what you run today, what you want to move, test or build, your stage and your region.
- We pick one partner
We read your answers and pick one vetted AWS consulting partner that fits the work, the stack and the region. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.
- The partner checks which funding fits
Your matched partner scopes the work with you. Then it checks which partner-filed funding fits: MAP if you are moving to AWS, POC if you want to test something, or incremental workload (IW) funding if you are already on AWS and launching new work.
- The partner files, AWS decides
If the work qualifies, the partner files the funding request with AWS. AWS reviews it and decides. The amount depends on the workload.
- You pay nothing
CloudRoute is free for startups. Partners pay CloudRoute a monthly membership plus 10% of AWS-approved funding.
AWS Activate credits are separate, and you apply for them yourself. Use Activate Founders if no investor backs you. Use Activate Portfolio with the Org ID or invite from your VC, accelerator, incubator or angel group if it is an Activate Provider. A consulting partner cannot apply for Activate on your behalf.
Common questions
Does AWS treat solo founders differently from teams?
Can a solo founder get Activate Portfolio?
How much can a partner file for a solo founder?
How long does AWS take to review an Activate application?
Can CloudRoute or a partner apply for Activate for me?
Why is CloudRoute free for startups?
See what a partner can file for your one-person company.
Tell us what you run and what you plan to move, test or build. We reply within 24 hours; your matched partner reaches out within 5 business days.