The Big Pitch is our marketing development fund (MDF), helping you run inspirational Microsoft campaigns with 50% funding for approved activity. With expert guidance and creative support, you’ll be able to build a high-quality, engaging campaign shaped around your big ideas.
The Big Pitch is designed to work around you.
You can either run your own campaign independently or choose to access additional support through Westcoast Cloud’s agency-backed approach.
You can use the Big Pitch to:
This route offers full flexibility, but you are responsible for ensuring all activity, POE and reporting meet Microsoft’s MDF requirements.
For when you want added confidence and impact, Westcoast Cloud offers an optional agency-backed model, designed to:
This approach provides end-to-end support, from planning and submission through to execution, POE and reporting.
Whether you choose to run your campaign independently or with our agency-backed support, the next step is understanding what’s available and how to make the most of your Big Pitch submission.
1. Choose your delivery approach
Decide how you want to run your campaign:
Self-managed: You plan, submit, execute and report.
Agency-backed: Access additional planning, execution and reporting support.
2. Define your campaign idea
Outline your objectives, audience and Microsoft focus.
Do this independently or with optional guidance via a discovery call.
3. Build your campaign plan
Self-managed: Create your proposal independently.
Agency-backed: Select a package or submit a custom idea with agency support.
4. Submit your proposal
Submit your MDF proposal, including budget, timelines and expected outcomes.
5. Approval
We’ll review, provide feedback where needed and confirm if your application is approved.
6. Raise PO (agency-backed only)
Raise a PO to enable campaign creation and delivery.
7. Execute your campaign
Self-managed: Deliver your approved campaign.
Agency-backed: Campaign activated by our agency partner.
8. POE & reporting
Self-managed: Submit POE and reporting.
Agency-backed: Midway report and full POE provided.
9. Reimbursement
Once approved, we’ll issue payment and celebrate a successful campaign.
Ready to get started? Our new guide to the Big Pitch covers everything in detail.
Access expert guidance to create your perfect pitch.
Dive into the details with our guide to a successful Big Pitch.
Start planning your campaign with this template.
Make sure you read the terms and conditions and, when you’re happy, fill in the form below to start your application.
The following terms and conditions govern the eligibility and disbursement of funding under the Big Pitch initiative. By submitting an application, the Partner agrees to comply with all provisions outlined below:
Application Timing and Eligibility
Applications will be reviewed at the beginning of each fiscal half-year for campaigns scheduled to be executed within that same half-year. Applications submitted prior to the official opening of the registration window will be deemed ineligible and discarded. Only campaigns planned for the current half-year will be considered. Campaigns must be Microsoft-focused to be considered.
Funding Structure and Investment Matching
The Big Pitch initiative operates on a 50/50 co-investment model. Partners are required to match the funding amount requested. For example, if a campaign has a total cost of £8,000, the Partner and WCC must each contribute £4,000. In this case, the Partner should apply for £4,000 in the “Funding amount requested” field of the application form, representing our 50% share of the total campaign cost.
Campaign Completion and Proof of Execution (POE)
All campaign activities must be completed, and the corresponding POE must be submitted by 31 May for H1 campaigns, or 30 November for H2 campaigns. To qualify as valid POE, third-party invoices must be settled in GBP or EUR.
Post-Campaign Reporting Requirements
Partners must submit a report detailing the campaign performance against set targets & objectives by 31 July for H1 campaigns, or by 31 December for H2 campaigns.
Funding Disbursement Conditions
Funding will be disbursed only after verification of the full completion of all deliverables, including: execution of the marketing campaign, submission of all required proof-of-execution (POE) documentation, and fulfillment of post-campaign reporting requirements. No advance payments will be made. Disbursement will be processed via a separate credit note issued to the Partner’s account.
Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with any of the above terms and conditions will render the agreement void, and the Partner will forfeit any entitlement to funding.
