Microsoft Teams with Bank of America, MasterCard on Startup Center

"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," said Cindy Bates, general manager of U.S. Small Business at Microsoft. "By combining extensive knowledge from four companies that have an established commitment to the small-business community, we are creating a comprehensive experience on the Web for new small businesses."

An extension of Microsoft's Small Business Center Web site, Startup Center is a free, personalized site at http://www.startupcenter.com that is designed to help entrepreneurs effectively get their businesses up and running. With its easy-to-use format, Startup Center is designed to support those who have a solid business idea by helping them complete the tasks required for launching a new company. The site provides comprehensive advice that people can use to take action to turn a business idea into a legitimate launch. The agreements announced today complement the site's mission by providing even more helpful small-business tools for visitors.

MasterCard Worldwide will provide Startup Center users with access to flexible cash-flow management solutions, business intelligence, and special programs and services. The MasterCard Find-a-Card tool, which enables businesses to choose the right payment card for their needs, is also available on the Startup Center to provide entrepreneurs with easy access to cash-flow management solutions.

"In addition to a great idea and perseverance, MasterCard Worldwide understands entrepreneurs need relevant and readily accessible business tools to help them succeed," said Bruno Perreault, group head of Global Small Business and Mid-Sized Enterprises at MasterCard Worldwide.

"MasterCard is pleased to be the small-business payment card brand on the Startup Center while also providing Startup Center users with key business resources that enable entrepreneurs to focus on getting their business started." As the top small-business lender in the United States, Bank of America will provide Startup Center users with a host of small-business financial and payroll management tools, small-business checking and credit card accounts, and its online health insurance platform.