To access $1,000,000 or more in investment support from Microsoft as a partner, you typically need to align with Microsoft's strategic priorities and meet specific programmatic, sales, and technical milestones. This level of investment is not automatic, but is usually part of Microsoft’s co-investment programs, including Microsoft Commercial Marketplace incentives, Solution Partner designations, and the Microsoft Partner Investment Engine (PIE).

Key Activities a Partner Must Execute:

Achieve High Microsoft Partner Status

• Attain a Solutions Partner designation (e.g., for Modern Work, Azure, Data & AI, Business Applications).
• Maintain Advanced Specializations or Azure Expert MSP credentials.
• Maintain a strong Partner Scorecard (performance, skilling, customer success).

2. Drive Strategic Customer Engagements

• Actively co-sell with Microsoft account teams (Co-Sell Ready status).
• Engage in deals that align with Microsoft's priorities (e.g., Azure migration, Teams/365 adoption, Industry Cloud).
• Show influence over significant revenue growth or customer acquisition.

3. Submit and Execute Approved Business Plans

• Develop a joint business plan with Microsoft.
• Detail marketing, sales, and service delivery efforts.
• Clearly define ROI, customer acquisition targets, and partner contribution.

4. Deploy Microsoft Funding Programs

Funding is channeled through:

• Partner Investment Engine (PIE):
• Pre-sales activities (Proof-of-Concepts, assessments, demos).
• Post-sales delivery (deployments, migrations).
• Must submit claims and follow guidelines.
• Co-op Marketing Funds:
• Use-earned funds from Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) or Managed Partner revenue.
• Azure Migrate & Modernize / Innovate Programs (AMMP / AIM):
  Deliver funded services tied to Azure projects.

5. Track and Report Performance

• Regularly submit impact data and customer evidence.
• Meet KPIs defined by Microsoft (Azure consumption, seats sold, certifications, etc.).
• Use tools like Partner Center and Partner Sales Connect.

6. Maintain Strong Relationship with Microsoft Field Teams

• Engage Partner Development Managers (PDMs).
• Collaborate with Microsoft’s Industry or Solution Sales teams.
• Be invited to strategic engagements and growth opportunities.

Real-World Example:

A Microsoft partner working on large Azure migrations (e.g., an ISV or SI modernizing a bank’s infrastructure) might receive:

• $250K for assessments and architecture
• $500K for deployment and adoption acceleration
• $250K in co-marketing or solution acceleration funds

This happens under a formal investment plan driven by Microsoft’s field leadership and tied to committed business outcomes.

If you're seeking this kind of support, the best steps are:

• Engage your Microsoft PDM or Global Partner Solutions (GPS) contact
• Build a clear ROI-driven proposal
• Align your offerings to Microsoft’s FY25 strategic growth themes