Playford Capital has gained accreditation as a Network Partner in the Microsoft BizSpark Program, giving innovative South Australian companies access to resources that can fast-track their success.

As a Network Partner, Playford Capital is authorised to enrol eligible companies in the BizSpark Program, a global Microsoft initiative designed to accelerate the success of early stage start-ups.
BizSpark gives start-ups fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools and platform technologies as well as production licenses to bring innovative and interoperable software applications or services to market.

Playford Capital CEO Amanda Heyworth said Playford recognised entrepreneurs faced challenges to keep costs down, build vital contacts and networks and grow their businesses. “As a Network Partner in the Microsoft BizSpark Program, we can enrol start-ups in a program which provides them with the opportunity to minimise their software development costs and find new ways to gain market exposure,” she said.

Microsoft is committed to helping entrepreneurs to transform their ambitions into sustainable, dynamic businesses and to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism. To this end, the BizSpark Program provides start-ups with software, support and visibility at a time when they are most valuable and least affordable – during their first three years – with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.

BizSpark also connects start-ups to active members of the global software ecosystem who can provide mentorship, guidance and resources to BizSpark start-ups. BizSpark creates an ongoing, mutually beneficial ecosystem between Microsoft, start-ups and Network Partners.

To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark Program, start-ups must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years at the time of enrolment and have less than US$1M in annual revenue.

To join BizSpark, developers must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner, such as Playford Capital.  Program details can be found at www.microsoftstartupzone.com/bizspark.  
When companies are ready to sign up, they can contact Playford Capital at mail@playford.com.au about sponsorship and to gain an enrolment code.

About Playford Capital

Playford Capital invests seed capital in early-stage South Australian companies. It partners with entrepreneurs by providing investment, business strategy and industry contacts for businesses in a broad range of industries.  Since 2001 Playford and its co-investors have represented about half of all early stage technology investments in South Australia.
All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

For more information about Playford Capital, visit www.playford.com.au

Playford PR for media assistance:

Call John Harris on 08 8431 4000 or email jharris@impress.com.au.