This is Microsoft's way of reaching out to the small business market. They are offering Accounting software free in all likely hope of cutting into Intuit's marketshare with their Quicken and Quickbooks offerings.

Nevertheless, it is useful to small business and the contest is a great way to realize that great idea you've been harboring.

Microsoft's Ultimate Challenge: Most Creative Small Business Idea

Good luck!

For job ops conducive to mommy schedules check out Work, Mom, work!. As a user you may also post job ops that you find for other moms (and dads) to benefit from.

Growing small business seeks a part-time Office Administrator to
support multiple functions and departments.

How one mom with a supportive husband self-published her own guide

by Sarah Masterson

After years of graduate school and full-time work as an academic and journalist, my career path drastically changed in one brief instant. It was the moment the "indicator window" on the home pregnancy test turned pink. I would never be the same, and neither would my career.

	MothersWork ASIN: 0385495900 Binding: Hardcover List price: $24.95 USD

An amazing success story that will at least inspire you to think about getting off your duff and pursuing your ambitions. Keep in mind that many of the sacrifices Rebecca makes are not for everyone like living with your parents, feeding your family fast food frequently, and having no time for friends. Rebecca saw the need for fashionable maternity clothes which led to A Pea in the Pod, Motherhood and a few other chains.

It's NOT for Everyone: Evaluating At Home Sales Programs

MomSoup features articles from women who promote direct sales. We're proud to support these women working hard to make their businesses successful. There are a few things we'd like to note about these programs and women in order to help you evaluate whether direct sales is right for you.

by: Kelly Wevley

Prior to motherhood I worked in corporate accounting and am a licensed CPA. I always knew that wasn’t my passion and I just wanted to be a mom. I actually felt like I was retiring at 29 when I went on maternity leave. That was a sign to me that I hadn’t found my calling with that company! I did want to continue to challenge myself and not let the skills and talents I had developed at that job lie dormant. I had started a home-based business with Mary Kay

How One Mom Took Direct Sales to the Next Level

by Michelle Stern

When my husband was in graduate school a couple of years ago, I started looking for a part time job opportunity. I had a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son at the time, and wanted to keep them as the focus of how I spent my time. I was a teacher before the kids came along and wanted to do something where I could interact with people and challenge myself. While I loved reading Goodnight Gorilla to my children (over and over again), I needed more mental stimulation!

How One Mom Found Flexibility in Mural Art

by Rebecca Gorden

As long as I can remember, I always knew that I wanted to be a Mom when I grew up. In college, I struggled to find a major because I knew that I would be a stay-at -home mom. Why would I even need a career? I settled on an Art History major.

	In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 6) ASIN: 0375422714 Binding: Hardcover List price: $19.95 USD Amazon price: $13.57 USD

This is book number six in the series of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. It's a quick, light read.

It's a fictional story set in Botswana, Africa. It's not very where women work