Playford inks Microsoft BizSpark partnership

Playford Capital has been named a network partner for Microsoft's BizSpark program, enabling it to enrol eligible start-ups to receive free development software from the Redmond giant.

The program provided start-ups "with the opportunity to minimise their software development costs and find new ways to gain market exposure," said Playford chief Amanda Heyworth.

There were no upfront costs to gain access to the software and "minimal requirements", the companies said in a statement.

Requirements included that 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$1 million in annual revenue.

Participants were required to pay a US$100 exit fee, according to Microsoft's website.

The only way to join the program was to be "sponsored" by an accredited network partner, Microsoft said.