Set to launch this spring, the portal will provide accountants and small businesses with an affordable, Web-based infrastructure for doing business. The system is designed to enhance the bond between CPAs and their clients, and to provide small businesses with value through e-commerce.
Market studies demonstrate that CPAs are the most trusted advisers to small businesses.
Most importantly, this trust translates into meaningful influence with the small business owner. So far, no one has cracked the code to the small business market, which represents roughly 50 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Microsoft and Thomson recognize the potential for growth in this area. Through this agreement, cpa2biz, Microsoft and Thomson will work closely to provide a wide range of Internet services and content to meet the daily needs of small business users and their CPAs. By providing access to an electronic system of integrated business applications, which has traditionally been available to only the largest entities, cpa2biz will equip accountants with the tools they need to add significant value to their small business clients.