Google just a while ago announced about a new intiative – Google Gadget Ventures to encourage independent developers from around the world to develop mashups and products around the Google or Web 2.0 platform and pocket $5,000 if the community likes it. Looks like they are extending the Google Summer of Code, which was restricted to students only, to any Developer now.
Google is also willing to seed fund your venture upto $100,000 depending on the business proposal. So are you that creative developer who can build great products and services ? Then Google wants you 🙂