Getting Started with Microsoft Incentive Programs: A Beginner’s Guide for Partners
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
Intended Audience: Microsoft Partners
Why do Microsoft incentives matter?
The Microsoft Partner ecosystem is built on collaboration, with incentive programs serving as a key mechanism to facilitate and enhance these collaborative efforts. These programs are designed to fuel Partner growth by providing support that drives innovation, builds skills, and reaches new customers. Whether it’s co-developing solutions, delivering training, or scaling go-to-market efforts with co-sell, incentives play a key role in helping Partners unlock new opportunities.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear overview of the main types of Microsoft incentives, learn how to qualify and access available funds, and explore practical ways to use them to accelerate your business.
What are the Microsoft Partner incentives?
Microsoft incentives are performance-based funding programs that support Partner growth and customer success. Aligned with Microsoft’s strategic goals, these programs provide financial resources and support to help Partners build capabilities, drive demand, and deliver impactful solutions. They’re developed to accelerate outcomes for both Partners and their customers.
Key Incentive Types:
- Co-op Marketing Funds: Earned based on revenue performance, these funds support marketing activities such as campaigns, events, and digital marketing to help drive demand and visibility.
- Partner Investments: Provided as strategic funding, these investments help Partners cultivate skills through training, certifications, and solution development to strengthen delivery readiness.
How do you qualify for Co-op Marketing Funds?
- Eligibility Criteria: To access incentives, your organization must be enrolled in the appropriate Microsoft Partner programs and meet specific criteria based on solution areas, workloads, or customer impact. Performance thresholds, such as revenue targets or co-sell activity, often determine eligibility.
- Earnings & Accruals: Incentives are typically earned based on your performance over a set period, such as quarterly or annually. Once earned, funds accrue into your account and are made available for a limited time. Planning ahead ensures you can use them strategically before they expire.
- Where to Check Your Status: You can monitor your incentive earnings, available balances, and usage deadlines through the Microsoft Partner Center or the Partner Investments and Incentives (PII) Portal. Regular check-ins help ensure you don’t miss out on available funding.
How do you claim Microsoft incentives?
Once you’ve earned incentive funds, the next step is to claim them efficiently and compliantly. Microsoft uses the Partner Center Incentives (PCI) platform as the central hub for managing all incentive-related activities. Here’s how to get started:
Use the Partner Center Incentives (PCI) Platform:
- The PCI Platform is a centralized portal for submitting claims, uploading documentation, and tracking payments.
- It is accessible through your Microsoft Partner Center account.
Track Key Tasks in PCI:
- Submit Claims: Enter claim details and upload required proof of activity.
- Track Payments: Monitor claim status, approval progress, and payment timelines.
- Ensure Compliance: Follow Microsoft’s guidelines to ensure activities and documentation meet eligibility requirements.
Follow These Tips for Success:
- Submit claims before deadlines to avoid delays.
- Keep detailed records, receipts, and supporting materials.
- Confirm activity eligibility with your Microsoft contact or program documentation before execution.
How can Microsoft funding help grow your Partner business?
Microsoft incentives can be a powerful driver of business growth when used strategically. Here are three high-impact ways to put your funding to work:
- Co-Marketing Campaigns
Use Co-op funds to run webinars, launch digital advertising campaigns, and create customer case studies that build awareness and generate demand. - Customer Workshops
Use funding to host solution demos, deliver hands-on labs, and engage customers in meaningful conversations that drive adoption. - Skilling & Enablement
Invest in internal team training, earn Microsoft certifications, and support customer onboarding and education to strengthen delivery and build trust.
How to get started with Microsoft Partner incentives?
Getting started with Microsoft incentives is easier when you know where to look and who to connect with. Staying aligned with program requirements and timelines ensures you make the most of available funding. Here’s what to do next:
- Log into Partner Center
Access your incentive dashboard to review earnings, check eligibility, and explore available funds. - Review Your Incentive Dashboard
Monitor your performance, track accruals, and stay ahead of claim deadlines. - Connect with Your Partner Development Manager (PDM)
Reach out for guidance on strategic use of funds, program updates, and planning support.
Work with the Microsoft Incentive Experts
Maximizing Microsoft incentives can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Consider partnering with a Microsoft Partner marketing agency that understands the ecosystem inside and out. At Maven Collective, we specialize in helping Partners turn incentive funding into measurable business results through strategic marketing execution.
Get in touch today to start making your incentives work harder for you.
