The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED), today announced that it has joined the Microsoft BizSpark^TM program as a Network Partner. Microsoft BizSpark^TM is a new global program designed to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs and early stage startups by connecting them to a global network of entrepreneurial organizations, such as CED, which provides know-how, networking, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through annual conference and programs.

BizSpark^TM gives startups fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies as well as production licenses. These technologies paired with the support from CED will help startups develop and deploy innovative solutions driving the next generation of user experiences.

“Microsoft BizSpark helps remove many of the barriers of entry to the software development tools and technologies, and market resources that are critical components of launching a viable business,” said Joan Siefert Rose, president of CED. “CED is committed to helping entrepreneurs and startups take full advantage of BizSpark to transform their ideas into sustainable, dynamic businesses.”

The BizSpark^TM Program provides startups 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.

“We’re really pleased to have North Carolina’s Council for Entrepreneurial Development as a BizSpark Network Partner. CED is located in the Research Triangle Park, which is the tech heart of the state and they are the leading entrepreneur organization in the region,“ said Cliff Reeves, general manager of the strategic and emerging business team at Microsoft Corp. “CED works closely with universities like Duke, NC State and UNC, high-tech companies like Glaxo SmithKline, IBM and Red Hat, and dozens of investment companies to generate and nurture entrepreneurship. Microsoft is grateful for the advice, encouragement and support that CED has provided in developing the Microsoft BizSpark Program and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with them over time.”

To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark^TM Program, startups 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, and have less than USD$1M in revenue. Startups may enroll in the program by obtaining sponsorship from CED by contacting Dhruv Patel 919.549.7500 x118. More information about BizSpark^TM can be found at www.microsoftstartupzone.com.

About the Council for Entrepreneurial Development

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1984 to identify, enable and promote high-growth, high-impact companies and accelerate the region’s entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered in the Research Triangle Park, CED is the oldest and largest entrepreneurial support organization in the nation with more than 5,000 active members representing over 1,100 companies. CED provides know-how, networking, mentoring and capital formation resources to new and existing high-growth entrepreneurs through annual conferences, programs and web-based resources. For more information, visit www.cednc.org.