What GitHub offers startups
GitHub for Startups provides eligible startups with GitHub Enterprise free for up to 20 users for one year. That includes everything in the Enterprise plan: SAML SSO, audit logs, advanced security (secret scanning, code scanning, dependency review), unlimited GitHub Actions minutes for public repos, and unlimited Packages.
If you're going to be enterprise-ready by Series A, you'll need SAML SSO and audit logs anyway. Starting on GitHub Enterprise from day one — for free — saves you a painful migration later and immediately positions you to sell to security-conscious customers.
Everything in the program
- GitHub Enterprise free for 20 users for 12 months
- SAML SSO and SCIM provisioning
- Audit logs and IP allow lists
- Advanced security: secret scanning, code scanning (CodeQL), dependency review
- Unlimited GitHub Actions minutes on public repos
- GitHub Packages and GitHub Pages with private builds
Who qualifies
- Startup under 10 years old
- Fewer than 20 employees
- Backed by an approved partner (accelerator, VC, or VC firm)
- Have not previously received GitHub for Startups benefits
- Not currently a paying GitHub Enterprise customer
The application path
- Confirm your accelerator or VC is a GitHub for Startups partner
- Visit the GitHub for Startups page and apply via your partner organization
- Provide your GitHub organization name, team size, and company details
- GitHub reviews and provisions Enterprise within 2–3 weeks
- Migrate your existing repos and configure SSO
Maximize your approval odds
- Set up SAML SSO immediately — it impresses security reviewers and prevents access drift later
- Enable secret scanning and Dependabot from day one to avoid security debt
- Use GitHub Actions self-hosted runners for heavy CI to avoid burning your minutes
- After the free year, the cheapest path is usually GitHub Team — plan the downgrade ahead of time
Founders ask before applying
How long is GitHub Enterprise free via GitHub for Startups?
Eligible startups get GitHub Enterprise free for 20 users for 12 months from the date of approval.
What happens after the free year ends?
Your organization remains on GitHub Enterprise but billing starts. Most startups downgrade to GitHub Team if they don't need Enterprise security features yet.
Does GitHub for Startups include Copilot?
No — Copilot is a separate program. See GitHub Copilot for Startups for $10,000 in Copilot Business credits.
Can I add more than 20 users to GitHub Enterprise?
Yes, but additional users beyond 20 are billed at standard Enterprise rates.