Just like AWS in which you can follow the course roadmap prescribed as part of AWS certifications while joining as AWS Partner, so is the case with IBM that offers multiple ways to associate and grow.

After getting approved for Startup with IBM program, we registered for IBM PartnerWorld. Just like AWS Partner, Microsoft Partner have free and paid tiers, so is the case here. Under partnership programs, however, it appears that IBM PartnerWorld is more liberal in offering freebies, AWS Partner coming close, and Microsoft Partner far behind.

Ready to take the next steps?

Explore My PartnerWorld

My PartnerWorld is your new command center for managing your tools and shortcuts in one place, including My Sales Activity (MySA), the PartnerWorld Console, the Co-marketing Center, and the Business Partner Connect platform. Partners will be able to personalize their experience so they only interact with what is valuable to them. Visit us often as we will introduce new features and enhancements throughout 2019.

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In addition to free forever lite plan by IBM, there is Startup with IBM program. 

We applied for the Builder Plan and got approved.

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Hi Rajeev, welcome to Startup with IBM!

Congratulations, you have been accepted into the Startup with IBM program.
Your account number is confirmed and as follow:

To complete your registration and to begin your partnership journey with IBM, follow these simple steps:

1. Access your $1,000 monthly credit on IBM Cloud

Step 1: Check your inbox for a separate email titled “Action Required! Complete your IBMid – SoftLayer identity link.” (you might need to check your spam folders) Step 2: Click the “Complete Registration” link within that email to complete your account registration.

2. Get started building with the platform

Log in with your IBMid credentials to browse the IBM Cloud Services Catalog. From core concepts to beginners tutorials, visit IBM docs and find the information you need to start using IBM Cloud.

3. Sell with IBM

Once you’ve built your solution, expand your audience! Get in front of 25 million customers, partners, and developers, and access leading buyers and sellers around the globe through IBM Marketplace. Refer to IBM Partners for more information.

Reference your resources

Build your skills and develop competencies on IBM technologies with learning paths. Access 100 code patterns across Data, AI, and Cloud to accelerate your integration of IBM technology!  Login to check your account credit on your IBM Cloud Account (account > billing > invoices). For support, visit IBM Cloud support. “Talk to an Expert” is the easiest way of getting any issue resolved! Need access to our 24/7 support? Contact our Technical and Sales Engineering teams by simply opening a ticket via the portal under “Support.” View the IBM Cloud Catalog. Learn more about IBM Cloud (Infrastructure).

Regards,
The Startup with IBM Team

Refer to our Cloud Service Agreement and the Startup with IBM Addendum for additional offer details.

The bad news is that within few days, this credit was reversed on the ground of not meeting the criteria. Although the exact reason was not given, still I understand it was because we were not aligned with their list of accelerators/incubators. While applying, the form for the IBM startup credit is still submitted even if you ignore this field by just selecting one random option from the list of accelerators/incubators (unfair thing to do).

October 2021 Update:

After incorporating a private limited company in UK with a UK phone number (took help of Icon Offices that include registering for their virtual office address and company formation services), we thought to once again apply for Startup with IBM program from a new IBM account. This time, although we still needed to fill a field that asked if associated with an accelerator/incubator, the process appeared different. Since registered with InnMind, mentioned the same. GST/VAT was not mandatory unlike while applying from India. No confirmation email of approval to the startup plan that we earlier received. Yet, received the 1k $ per month credit for 12 months just after pressing the submit button for an offer that popped up as payment option was entered.

The bad news once again is that this account is deactivated within less than a week, immediately after being approved for their PartnerWorld program.

No reason is cited! It is up to the readers to decide if it is a fair system. Why the credit will be given in the first place without prior checks?

Interestingly, if I go to the IBM Cloud Support through the link on the email or try to access the account, I will be logged out.

This is quite different from Amazon AWS or Microsoft that appears more customer friendly.

Though the IBM account no more operational because of being expired, canceled, suspended, yet keep getting on email coupons codes and updates: