Startup America

Launched earlier this year in response to President Obama's call to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship, the Startup America Partnership has announced commitments from more than fifteen companies and nonprofits to provide resources valued at approximately $400 million to U.S. entrepreneurs.

Building on existing pledges of support from some two dozen companies, new corporate commitments include products and services valued at over $125 million from American Express; training worth more than $3 million from Cisco; $100 million from Google to help entrepreneurs promote their companies through Google advertising programs; discounts on HP products valued at $100 million; and free access for all qualified startups to Microsoft software and support through the company's BizSpark program.

In addition, new nonprofit partners include Palindrome Advisors, which pledged to connect a thousand first-time entrepreneurs with top industry advisors; the National Venture Capital Association, which will provide access to its more than four hundred venture capital firms, four thousand investors, and thousands of venture-backed company CEOs; the National Center for Women & Information Technology, which will help high-tech startups capitalize on the increased innovation and business benefits of gender diversity; and the Angel Capital Association and Angel Resource Institute, which together will work to increase access to investment capital by doubling the number of high-caliber investors in angel groups across the country.

"We're gratified by the response we've seen from the private sector since launching the Startup America Partnership less than ninety days ago," said Startup America Partnership chair Steve Case. "Today's announcement of new commitments highlights the progress we're making to provide entrepreneurs with resources to grow and scale. We're grateful for the companies that have stepped up to help celebrate and accelerate entrepreneurs and we look forward to adding additional partners in the near future."

“New Startup America Partnership Commitments From Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, American Express, Intuit and others to Support Tens of Thousands of U.S. Startups.” Startup America Press Release 4/20/11.