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GitHub Enterprise

If you are a startup is backed by a VC, accelerator, incubator, or university in our Investor Network, you get access to GitHub Enterprise Cloud which is designed to help teams collaborate, build, and ship software securely at scale.

This page explains:

  • What GitHub benefits are included
  • How to redeem and set up GitHub Enterprise Cloud
  • What is and is not covered by the offer
  • How to troubleshoot common issues
  • Where to go for support

GitHub Benefits Overview

Eligible startups receive:

  • GitHub Enterprise Cloud
  • 20 Enterprise licenses for one year
  • Centralized administration, security, and policy controls
  • Access to core GitHub Enterprise features such as repositories, issues, pull requests, Actions, and Packages

These benefits are provided through Microsoft for Startups and can only be redeemed once per startup.

What's Included vs Not Included

What’s included?

  • GitHub Enterprise Cloud (up to 20 licenses)
  • Core collaboration and DevOps features

Not included (billed separately)

  • GitHub Copilot (all tiers)
  • Advanced Security (Code Security, Secret Protection)
  • Actions usage overages and larger runners
  • Additional Enterprise licenses beyond the 20 included
  • Add-ons or optional services

Azure credits cannot be used to pay for GitHub Enterprise licenses. Azure can only be used to pay for metered GitHub add-ons such as Copilot.

How to Redeem GitHub Enterprise Cloud

If your startup is eligible for this benefit, it will appear in your Benefits page on the Microsoft for Startups program page within the Azure Portal.

To check and activate:

  1. Sign in to Azure Portal.
  2. Click on the to the Microsoft for Startups program page in the top right corner
  3. Navigate to the Benefits page on the left
  4. Look for the specific benefit (e.g., GitHub)
  5. If available, you’ll see the benefit listed with an option to Redeem
  6. Copy the redemption code shown at the end of the URL
    • Example format: GitHub-and-Microsoft-Love-Startups-CODE
  7. Go to https://github.com/redeem and redeem the code

Redeeming the coupon creates a new GitHub Enterprise account. Coupons cannot be applied to an existing Enterprise account.

Important Setup Requirements

Payment Method (Required)

  • A valid credit card or PayPal must be added to the Enterprise account
  • GitHub performs a temporary authorization hold
  • If the payment method fails or is removed, the account may be locked

Azure Subscription (Optional)

  • You may add an Azure subscription for metered add-ons only
  • Azure cannot pay for Enterprise licenses

License Provisioning

  • Licenses are not provisioned automatically
  • You must complete the license purchase flow
  • The coupon covers the cost of the first 20 licenses

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

“Coupon cannot be redeemed any more times”

  • The coupon has already been used
  • Startup benefits can only be redeemed once per company

Can’t find the coupon code

  • Return to the Microsoft for Startups program page → Benefits → GitHub
  • The code appears at the end of the Redeem Offer URL

Account is locked

  • Most commonly caused by a missing or invalid payment method
  • Azure subscriptions are not valid payment methods for licenses

Charged after benefits expired

  • Startups must downgrade or delete the Enterprise account before expiration
  • Charges incurred after expiration are not refundable

Want additional licenses or extensions

  • Program extensions, new coupons, or transfers are not supported

What Microsoft for Startups Support Can Help With

Microsoft for Startups Program Support can help with:

  • Verifying benefit eligibility
  • Clarifying what is included vs. billed
  • Guiding redemption and account setup
  • Escalating issues to GitHub Support when needed

Program Support does not issue refunds, extensions, or new coupons.

Where to Get Help

GitHub Support

Use GitHub Support for:

  • Account, billing, and product issues
  • Coupon redemption problems
  • License management

https://support.github.com/

Real-Time Help

GitHub provides Copilot-powered support for quick questions:
https://support.github.com/copilot

Key Takeaways

  • The offer includes 20 GitHub Enterprise Cloud licenses for one year
  • Benefits are one-time redemption per startup
  • A valid payment method is required
  • Add-ons and overages are billed separately
  • Downgrade or delete the account before expiration to avoid charges

These guidelines help ensure a smooth experience using GitHub Enterprise through Microsoft for Startups.

GitHub Enterprise Benefit FAQs

Can I use the GitHub offer on an existing GitHub Enterprise account?
No, this must be redeemed on a new Enterprise account and cannot be transferred.

Are the GitHub offer licenses automatically provisioned?
No, you must add licenses during setup. The coupon will apply to the included 20 licenses.

Why isn’t my GitHub offer code working?
If you see “cannot be redeemed any more times,” the code has already been used.

Will I be charged for GitHub?
Yes, if you use anything beyond the included offer (e.g., Copilot, extra licenses, usage overages).

Do I need a payment method to redeem the GitHub offer?
Yes, a valid credit card or PayPal is required. Missing or invalid payment methods may result in account lockout.

Can I use Azure credits to pay for GitHub?
Azure credits apply to metered usage, such as Copilot and Actions. They do not cover Enterprise licenses or Advanced Security.

Can I re-use or transfer the GitHub offer?
No, this is a one-time, non-transferable offer per company.

What happens when the GitHub offer ends?
Your account continues as paid unless you:

  • Downgrade, or
  • Delete your Enterprise account before expiration
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