Small businesses find Web boosts growth

Sharon O'Brien has a long resume of work with interior decorating companies, but deep inside she had the heart of an entrepreneur.

Recently, the Annapolis resident took the plunge and launched Unique Interiors, a new business that provides everything from space planning and organization services to color and fabric selection.

One of her first tasks was setting up a Web site.

Thanks to a free webcast presentation hosted by Anne Arundel Economic Development Corp.'s Small Business Resource Center, Ms. O'Brien learned about a Microsoft Office Live product that allows users to create and edit their own Web site, add e-mail...