website, bizsparkI have gone through all the details and requirements for the Microsoft Bizspark. I said to enter the company name, URL, email, etc. Right now I don’t have any company registered for this. Basically my start-up is a website (in addition with a mobile app) So my question is what should I write in the company name column? And should I purchase a domain for it and apply.
What should I do?
Having been accepted after being denied here are the differences I found:
1) Yes, register your URL and get a hosting plan with a web site and make sure the website is update regularly, even with just minimal progress posts. It shows people are doing something for the business’ public face.
2) Use that domain and get an email host setup with one of the numerous free or low cost providers (many hosting companies provide email as well w/ hosting plans). Register with the email that matches the website domain you are using.
3) Register your business name, even if just a DBA sole proprietorship, in your state. Usually a trade name or DBA is lower cost to register with less requirements than LLC, C, or Partnership and is more open to who/how they are registered. Most states also have online registrations in place now and it’s relatively quick and painless.
4) Ensure that the contact information you provide is accurate, and if using addresses make sure they match the business registration/dba name registration information.
When I was denied last year, I had not updated my web site for a while and had not selected a category that matched what my website had (I had selected web/desktop app as primary focus when in fact we were more mobile dev and it didn’t match up). As well, ensure if you are using something like Convoi or Google Voice as a business number that it does ring through to an actual number that you will answer as I did receive a call verifying information.
After correcting these and applying again I was accepted and and am now into year two.
I applied for BizSpark and was accepted - yes they are serious so they want to see how serious you are with your idea. So they look for what have you done so far? IMO yes you should do all that - get domain, put up a website, indicate you have a some kind of a prototype ready …Entering gmail or live email address may not be the best indicator of your seriousness. They want to know how much time/effort have you invested; for them to let you use their resources at no/vastly reduced cost.
BizSpark program is for companies. Register your company and then apply. They ask for the certificate of incorporation (here in India) and many other things after you apply. Therefore, if you apply without having your company registered, you will (more often than not) be rejected.
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