Zoho for Startups 🎁 Program

What you get

Zoho for Startups gives Zoho Wallet credits you can spend on Zoho's catalogue of over 55 apps (CRM, Books, Desk, Campaigns, suites, upgrades, add-ons and monthly renewals). The page does not publish the credit amount. Credits come in two stages:

• Stage 1: granted after validation, usable on any Zoho app.
• Stage 2: an extra amount if you host your domain with Zoho within 15 days of receiving Stage 1. Stage 2 credits cannot buy Zoho Workplace or Zoho Mail.

Credits are valid for 360 days from Stage 1 activation and cannot be extended. You also get free weekday email support and a free consultation in English.

Who qualifies

• A business that meets the Startup India definition, and is registered with a Zoho collaborator (incubator, accelerator or other ecosystem enabler) or recognised by DPIIT.
• A new or free Zoho user with no paid subscription history and no earlier Zoho credit benefits.
• MSMEs are excluded, and the programme is one-time only.
• The page says the programme is currently limited to startups linked with collaborators and to listed countries.

Good to know

• Unused credits expire and the balance resets to zero.
• Training and implementation need a paid Zoho partner.
• Validation takes five to seven business days.

Because the credits expire after 360 days and cannot be extended, plan which apps you will use before you activate them. A common early set is CRM, Books for invoicing and Desk for support, but pick what matches your workflow rather than spending credits for the sake of it.

Verdict

Most useful for Indian startups in an incubator that partners with Zoho. Elsewhere, check whether your country and accelerator are listed before you plan around it.

1. Create a Zoho account with your organisation's primary admin email.
2. Register on Zoho's startup registration page, or use the collaboration link from your incubator or accelerator.
3. Wait five to seven business days for validation and the confirmation email.
4. Use Stage 1 credits, and host your domain with Zoho within 15 days if you want Stage 2.