Losing your job at Microsoft? An entrepreneurial group in downtown Seattle wants to help out. In response to the layoff announcement today, high-tech incubator StartPad.org said it would offer 30 free days of office space, free Internet access and other perks to any former Microsoft employee who is interested in dipping his or her toes in the startup waters. In a note titled "Pink Slip Special at StartPad.org," Mike Koss and Zack Zelinski encourage laid off Microsoft workers to stop by for an office tour of the 3,600 square foot high-tech incubator space.

"If there is one silver lining to the Microsoft layoffs, it may be the kick-in-the-pants that some employees needed to become entrepreneurs in their own right. We'd like to do our part to help with the transition. If you're one of the employees that have been laid off, or you see the writing on the wall and feel it's time to make the jump, we have a special deal for you."

To qualify, StartPad says that it would accept any former salaried employee in the last four months who is thinking about "building their own (software-based) product/business."

Koss worked at Microsoft from 1983 to 2001, leading the Outlook development team and helping to launch Sharepoint. In an interview, he said he wanted to encourage entrepreneurial activity. He also said the incubator space -- which houses startups such as RescueTime, Right Sized Media and Blue Dot -- has been feeling a little empty recently.  "The goal is to fill up the place," said Koss, adding that they have room for about 15 people. He's had a couple nibbles already.

"We look forward to meeting you and helping you get started on your new adventure!," the message concludes.

UPDATE: A technology vendor who saw Koss' post on the Seattle startup list now is joining the effort, offering free access to 512 MB linux servers to those who join the incubator. "Our Virtual Servers aren't a MS platform, but it provides a good opportunity to use your skills in a new arena and build something great," writes Jesse Proudman of Blue Box Group.