Build a startup credit stack you can use.
A long list of startup perks can look like a large cash balance. In practice, each benefit has its own eligibility, scope, and expiry. Keep them separate until you know what your company can redeem.
Verify your program access
Check your accelerator or investor portal for current partner benefits. Confirm company eligibility directly with each provider. Don't assume an award advertised to one cohort is available to every startup.
Put the terms in one sheet
Record provider, award status, eligible services, expiry, and restrictions on stacking or transfer. Separate approved balances from pending applications. Add a reminder before each benefit expires.
Build for the product
Allocate credits to planned workloads instead of designing a complex stack around perks. Forecast the eventual cash bill and the cost of moving between providers. Unused promotional balances may have transfer restrictions, even when they appear valuable on paper.