More Americans are starting their own businesses than any other time in the past 15 years, according to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity. One of the key developments driving today’s startups has been the emergence of cloud technologies.

To help power the growing number of entrepreneurs with online talent, Web employment platform Elance has launched its Startup Cloud program that helps new companies tap into the human cloud. Elance is partnering with startup accelerator The Founder Institute to help entrepreneurs find the best online talent around which to build their new businesses.

The Startup Cloud program will feature best practices for entrepreneurs in the pre-launch startup phase, as well as those seeking ongoing hiring needs as their companies mature. Startup founders will learn from other business owners how to effectively scale their staffing to achieve the best results.

The Startup Cloud site will include articles, videos and slide shows such as the following:

•    A Blueprint for Building Your Startup in the Cloud
•    10 Key Online Hires For Your Startup
•    Tips for Managing Your Online Team
•    Startup Stories: How They Did It

Elance will also host a 12-week contest beginning March 28 in which three winners in April, May and June will be awarded a $500 credit for online freelance services that can be applied toward anything from designing a business logo to building a new website or mobile app. Contestants are asked to submit an entry stating how they would use an Elance professional to help build their business.