Microsoft SMB Workshops
Use these Microsoft-developed demand-generation events to drive customer interest in net-new “Dark to Cloud” small and medium business (SMB) customer acquisition. Aligned with Microsoft SMB solution plays, these partner-led workshops have been designed by Microsoft to help you demonstrate value, build customer intent, and accelerate opportunities for Modern Work and Security.
What is a Microsoft SMB Workshop?
The Microsoft SMB workshop program is a Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) standardized activity workshop program intended to drive customer acquisition by creating customer intent at scale. This is implemented in a 90-minute, one-to-many, partner-led demo event where customers can experience a small business scenario live in a demo tenant of Microsoft 365 Business Premium. Current workshops are available for Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams Essentials, and Windows 365.
Partners are responsible for identifying and recruiting attendees and running the event. Microsoft provides a full workshop package, including facilitator script and supporting slide content, along with instructions to create the live demo environment. Completing all activities for some workshops makes you eligible for special incentives.
How SMB Workshops are different from MCAP and MCI workshops
Microsoft took best practices from Microsoft Cloud Accelerator Program (MCAP) and Microsoft Commercial Incentive (MCI) workshops and created a new SMB-focused experience that requires less time and is expanded to enable you to invite multiple customers to one event. Like MCI workshops, SMB Workshops light up the power of Microsoft 365 in a live environment that customers can experience firsthand.
SMB Workshop incentives
There are two ways partners can earn incentives for running SMB workshops. First, selected partners have been invited to participate in a closed SMB Do More with Less program experience on MCAP, and earn incentives there. Second, all partners can run workshops using the following linked content packages. Specifically, Microsoft Teams Essentials and Windows 365 workshops completed starting November 4, 2022 qualify for US$1000 per workshop through the cooperative marketing funds program, based on your available funds. Review the workshop overview presentation and visit the Co-op Funding Resources site for more details about how to claim workshop incentives.
Partner qualifications
This program is open only to selected CSP partners with Modern Work solutions or services, and who have experience selling in the SMB customer segment. Additional qualifications, terms, and conditions are outlined at Accelerator Events.
Learn more
Leverage the following resources to help you get started.
- Download the available workshop packages today:
- Download the customizable one-pager template to share with your customers
- Download these social assets to drive demand generation for your workshops
If you have additional questions, contact the SMB Workshops team.
