Microsoft to offer free startup help

REDMOND, Wash., June 26 (UPI) -- Resources for people wanting to start their own business are available at U.S. software giant Microsoft Corp.'s StartupCenter.com, the company announced.

The StartUp Center is a free online guide designed to provide step-by-step advice and resources that small-business owners need when they venture into business ownership, Bizjournal.com reported Tuesday.

Among the companies and individuals joining the Redmond, Wash., company with a variety of financial management tools, payroll assistance, shipping and advice are Bank of America, FedEx, MasterCard Worldwide and entrepreneurial experts Rich and Jeff Sloan.

"With these additional resources, visitors to StartupCenter.com not only learn how to launch their own business, but are immediately equipped with real-world tools to help them succeed," Cindy Bates, general manager of U.S. Small Business at Microsoft, said in a statement.