Google rolls out initiative to help US small businesses succeed online
In an effort to assist local businesses with building their web presence, Google has launched a programme called ‘Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map’ to help businesses get their information on Google Search and Maps.
Google is teaming up with local leaders to create a programme for 30,000 US cities. Each city will have its own website that businesses can visit for help. Businesses can also build a website of their own that’s free for one year.
Through the initiative, Google is equipping its partners with free trainings and customized materials to run workshops in their towns.
Since 2011, Google’s ‘Get Your Business Online Team’ has traveled around the country to help businesses get online. Yet according to the company, only 37 per cent of businesses have claimed a local business listing on a search engine.
Partners include American’s SBDC (Small Business Development Center), the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, SCORE, StartLogic, and the Western Association of Chamber Executives.