Verified Oct 12, 2026. Amounts and rules change, so check each program's official page before you apply.
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1OpenAI Partner Network
Varies by tier (OpenAI doesn't publish amounts)
Who qualifies: Companies that build, deploy and deliver AI solutions for customers, like agencies, consultancies and service partners with real AI implementation experience
Mitchell's note: This is the one I got. As an OpenAI Select Partner I received $1,000 in API credits plus 300,000 ChatGPT/Codex credits, which I value at about $2,500. The credits are for partner work like demos, proofs of concept and client builds.
Apply / see program ↗2Claude for Startups (Anthropic)
$1,000 one-time Claude API credit plus a free year of Claude Team (up to 5 seats), and up to $45,000 in partner perks. VC-backed startups in Anthropic's partner network may get up to $100,000 more in API credits through their investor.
Who qualifies: Startups founded in the last 5 years or funded in the last 2. Bootstrapped, pre-seed and VC-backed all welcome.
Heads up: Anthropic says it's currently over capacity on the $1,000 credit and free Team offers after a flood of applications, so those may be paused while it re-reviews. The partner perks are still live.
Mitchell's note: I got the $1,000 Claude API grant.
Apply / see program ↗3Deepgram for Startups
Up to $100,000 in credits for speech-to-text, text-to-speech and voice agents, used within 12 months
Who qualifies: AI builders or early-stage startups in production or launching within 6 months
Apply / see program ↗
Got the credits. Now what?
Credits only pay off if they land on work that matters. If you're studying for Claude cert, the $150 Claude cert offer (exam access, prep, and Q&A with Mitchell) gets you unstuck while you prep. Exam fee is separate. For a full workflow, the $2,500 AI audit prices one process and ranks where AI pays for itself.