By now you've probably heard about the devastating fires sweeping through California. Thankfully, the winds are finally dying down and firefighters are getting a better grasp on the remaining fires. Businesses across the country are pitching in to assist the many Californians displaced by the devastating flames, and one company is helping small-business owners affected by the fires. Synergy Workplaces  is offering free access to its Virtual Office space for businesses displaced by the fires. Their services will be available in four locations in Irvine and Laguna Niguel. Business owners can get back in touch with clients via Synergy's telephones and internet connections, and utilize their office equipment and support services. "We are opening our doors and services to any home based or small-business owner affected by the wildfires. It's the least we can do to help the community and ensure that local residents are able to protect their livelihoods and keep their companies running with as little disruption as possible," said Laura Kozelouzek, president and CEO of Synergy Workplaces.

If you've been affected by the Southern California blazes and would like to use Synergy's services, call (949) 936-2600 for registration and more details.

Asheesh Advani, Entrepreneur.com columnist and former president of CircleLending, has joined forces with entrepreneurial mogul Sir Richard Branson and his Virgin Group. CircleLending officially rebranded as Virgin Money USA on October 15, with Advani operating as president and CEO. Virgin made a majority investment in Advani's company in May. Virgin Money manages loans and mortgages between relatives and friends. "Our goal is simple--to provide a service that allows for more choices, a surer fit and ultimately, a better deal," said Advani. Branson agrees that Virgin Money will revolutionize the way people receive loans. "We are literally changing the face of money by empowering people to realize their hopes and dreams, all while keeping money within the family," he said.

Industry insiders have been waiting for it to happen, and on Wednesday, it finally did. Microsoft beat Google to the chase and announced it's investing $240 million for a 1.6 percent stake in social networking site Facebook. That put the value of the site at $15 billion. In the deal, Microsoft also won exclusive rights to sell third-party banner ads on Facebook. Downplaying analysts' descriptions of Facebook as a trend and not a long-lasting site, Kevin John, president of Microsoft's platforms and services division, said the user base should eventually reach 300 million members.

This year, the hot social network is expecting a profit of $30 million on $150 million in revenue.

Five hundred young women received a clear message that an entrepreneurial mindset isn't just for those aiming to start their own business at the First Lady of California Maria Shriver's Minerva Leadership Program  earlier this week.

Accomplished businesswomen, celebrities including Vanessa Williams, and Samantha Larson, the youngest person to ever climb all "Seven Summits," came together to discuss the professional and spiritual empowerment that comes from "being your own boss" every day of your life.  Among the topics raised were whether college should come right after high school and how long it should take to finish.  College seemed the most practical route after high school graduation, said Larson, but she ended up taking a year to train and climb Mt. Everest, which she did last year at age 18 and is now in her first year at Stanford. Senior executive vice president of Wachovia Corporation, Shannon McFayden, talked about how there is no shame in going through college a little slower to better afford it because, just like every entrepreneur, every woman has a different set of environmental and financial circumstances.

"I do think to be successful in whatever your chosen path is, having an entrepreneurial mindset makes all the difference in the world," McFayden said.  "An entrepreneurial mindset is thinking to yourself, I'm going to change everyday for the good, instead of letting things just sit and happen because it's somebody else's company."

The Minerva Leadership Program sessions were held at another one of Maria Shriver's projects, The California Women's Conference , where the young women heard from Nobel Peace Prize-winning social entrepreneur Muhammad Ynus, Nobel Peace Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, the wives of five presidential candidates and many more. Videos from the conference are available on the California Women's Conference website.