Founders Azure credit application

Hi Elizabeth Nega,

Thanks for reaching out in Microsoft Q&A forum,

I suspect the address might be an issue because on the Tax ID it is 23 Surf road and on the business registration it is 180 Saugatuck, Westport CT. Let me know what I need to verify to get the credit. I can submit the tax ID and business registration documents.

You're right, the address mismatch is almost certainly what's tripping up the automatic verification. Microsoft's system flags it when the EIN and LLC registration show different street addresses, even though this is super common for small businesses (registered agent vs. actual office, etc.).

Here's what you need to do:

First, log into your Founders Hub dashboard and update your profile address to match whichever document is most recent probably the 180 Saugatuck Avenue one from your Connecticut registration. Consistency matters more than which address you pick.

Then, submit a manual verification request with these three things:

1. Your Connecticut LLC Certificate of Organization (the 180 Saugatuck document)
2. Your IRS EIN confirmation letter (the 23 Surf Road one)
3. Something that bridges the gap a recent business bank statement, utility bill, lease, or even a Connecticut Tax Registration showing either address. This just proves both addresses actually belong to you.

When you upload them, add a quick note saying something like: "Address difference is due to registered agent vs. principal office. Both belong to Vitality Westport LLC. Happy to provide additional docs if needed." Keep it simple they see this all the time.

You'll hear back within about a week once a human reviews it. Make sure your company name is spelled exactly the same way on everything (no "LLC" vs. "L.L.C." mismatches).

Official docs:

Get up to $5,000 in Azure Credits for Startups | Microsoft Learn

Kindly let us know if the above helps or you need further assistance on this issue.

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To unlock the additional Azure startup credits, business verification must confirm that the startup is a registered legal business entity and that the information submitted matches official records.

For Vitality Westport LLC, the following points apply based on the program requirements and Microsoft’s general business verification practices:

1. Ensure eligibility for the $5,000 tier
   • The initial $1,000 startup credit must already be redeemed using a new Azure account created with a personal Microsoft Account (MSA).
   • Business verification must be completed within 90 days of the initial redemption.
   • The startup must be a registered legal business entity that develops and owns a software-based product or service (your proprietary AI health platform meets this requirement) and must not fall into an excluded category (for example, consultancy or agency).
2. What to submit for manual business verification When automatic verification fails, Microsoft typically requests documentation similar to the “business verification” requirements used in other Microsoft programs:
   • Primary formation/registration proof (at least one of):
     • LLC formation documents (for example, articles of organization/incorporation, partnership deed, or equivalent state registration document).
     • Certificate of incorporation or registration, if available.
   • Secondary/ongoing activity proof (if the primary document is older than 12 months or does not clearly show current status):
     • Government-issued business registration or tax registration certificate (for example, EIN/tax ID documentation, state tax registration).
     • Recent letter or statement from a financial institution or utility company showing the business name and current address.
     • Record or extract from a government or state business registry website showing the company name and address.
   These documents are used to confirm that Vitality Westport LLC is authorized to do business under that name and that it is active at the address provided.
3. Handling the address mismatch (23 Surf Road vs. 180 Saugatuck)
   • Microsoft’s verification checks that the legal business profile details match formal registration records.
   • If different official documents show different addresses, provide:
     • The LLC formation/registration document with the registered address.
     • The most recent government or tax document that reflects the current, active business address.
   • In the verification form, enter the company name and address exactly as they appear on the most current official registration or government record, and then upload both documents so the reviewer can see the address history and confirm legitimacy.
4. How to proceed in the Azure startup credit flow
   • In the Azure portal startup homepage, ensure the initial $1,000 credit is redeemed.
   • Use the “Check verification status” or verification prompt and choose the option to submit documentation manually.
   • Upload:
     • LLC formation/registration documents for Vitality Westport LLC.
     • EIN/tax registration or other recent government/financial/utility documentation showing the current address.
     • A brief description of the startup and the proprietary AI health platform (Bio-Print), as requested.
   • Verification can take up to seven business days. Once approved, the additional credits (up to $5,000) are applied automatically, and are valid for 180 days from approval.
5. If the verification option is not visible
   • Confirm that:
     • The initial $1,000 credit has been redeemed.
     • The request is within 90 days of that redemption.
     • The startup has not already been verified or denied.

If verification is ultimately not approved, the startup can continue using the initial $1,000 credit but will not be eligible for the additional credits.

References:

• Get up to $5,000 in Azure credits to build and grow your startup
• Verify your company account information
• What is the “Know Your Business Customer” requirement for company accounts?
• Properly Setting Up Your Azure Account