$2,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program — Start
- Founded within 2 years, working MVP, planning to raise
BigQuery Startup Credits: 3 Programs Explained
BigQuery is covered by Google for Startups Cloud credits: $2,000 for early startups, up to $200k (Scale) or $350k (AI) for funded ones.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
BigQuery is covered by Google for Startups Cloud credits: $2,000 for early startups, up to $200k (Scale) or $350k (AI) for funded ones.
Don’t miss the next $100K in creditsGet monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.
Best for
Data warehouses on BigQueryGemini-based AI productsVC-funded pre-seed to Series A
Do you qualify for BigQuery?
You likely qualify if
- Founded within the last 5 years (Start tier: within 24 months, per creditforstartups)
- Raised pre-seed/seed within 5 years or Series A within 12 months from institutional or VC equity (SAFEs count)
- Received no more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits
- AI track: Gemini is the foundation of your primary product
You won't qualify if
- Funded only by angels, friends and family, grants, crowdfunding, prizes or PE (Scale/AI tiers)
- IPO'd or acquired, or an agency, consultancy, dev shop, nonprofit or crypto miner
- Your domain had a paid Google Workspace plan in the 31 days before applying (AI track)
Common rejection reasons
- Website domain doesn't match billing or email domain
- Funding source or stage doesn't meet tier requirements
- More than $5,000 in prior Google Cloud credits
How to apply for BigQuery
- Check eligibility for Start, Scale or AI tier
- Prepare your website, funding stage and investor or accelerator details
- Apply at cloud.google.com/startup (AI: cloud.google.com/startup/apply?pt=AI)
- Activate: credits apply to your Google Cloud billing account for up to 2 years
Stacks well with
Founders who claim BigQuery often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does BigQuery give startups?
$2,000 in Google Cloud credits; Up to $200,000 over 2 years (100% up to $100k Y1; 20% up to $100k Y2); Up to $350,000 ov. BigQuery is covered by Google for Startups Cloud credits: $2,000 for early startups, up to $200k (Scale) or $350k (AI) for funded ones.
Does BigQuery take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for BigQuery?
Founded within the last 5 years (Start tier: within 24 months, per creditforstartups). Raised pre-seed/seed within 5 years or Series A within 12 months from institutional or VC equity (SAFEs count). Received no more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for BigQuery?
1) Check eligibility for Start, Scale or AI tier 2) Prepare your website, funding stage and investor or accelerator details 3) Apply at cloud.google.com/startup (AI: cloud.google.com/startup/apply?pt=AI) 4) Activate: credits apply to your Google Cloud billing account for up to 2 years
Related startup credits
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Don’t miss the next $100K in credits
Get monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.