Launching Google for Small BusinessWe have launched a new website,
Google for Small Business, dedicated to help small African businesses take and grow their businesses online and continue to reach customers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The free website will guide businesses along every step of their journey from setting up a Business Profile on Google, to creating a free website, along with tips and advice on how to reach and grow their customer base. The platform will also allow business owners to tailor their approach, in their own time, to operating online based on their own specific needs.
Last year we announced a set of programs to assist 500,000 African small businesses recover from the financial effects of Covid-19. This Google for Small business website complements existing Google tools such
Market Finder for SMEs aiming to export to new markets, and
Marketing Kit for assistance with developing marketing materials.
Businesses can also reach out to our partner
Africa118 to get verified on
Google my Business.
SMB digital skills webinarsHelping more people understand how to utilise the Web to improve themselves and grow their businesses is something we’ve been particularly passionate about. Our digital skills programmes have reached over 5 million people across Africa, many of whom are business owners. As part of this programme, this month we'll be hosting 3 one-hour long retail SMB-focused webinars on YouTube, covering topics like Analytics, Digital Marketing, and Ads with Google.
The webinars will be available for free on 9, 16, and 23 June and interested attendees are invited to register at
goo.gle/smbwebinarsFeaturing African small businessOur efforts to promote small businesses in Africa includes creating forums for information sharing and cross-policing of ideas. We will be sharing the stories of small businesses who use digital technologies from Google and others to expand their online presence, reach new consumers, and make a difference in their local communities. The series, known as #ShopSmallFridays will premiere on the Google Africa Twitter account, and will feature inspiring stories of small businesses, with a focus on African triumphs.
Please follow the #ShopSmallFriday series on our Google Africa Twitter account.
If you’re inspired to support small retail businesses, encourage them to sign up for our
digital skills training or take a look at
G4SMB