Google has launched a series of programs to help small and medium-sized businesses not only expand and recover in Africa’s post-covid economy, but also succeed.
SMEs make up almost 90% of all businesses on the continent, and they are the engine that drives the economy.
Although these businesses employ 80% of the region’s population, the covid’ pandemic and restrictions on business activities have had, and continue to have, a substantial impact on them and the livelihoods of millions of people.
“As more consumers begin their journey in search of online products and services, we want to do more to help small retail businesses digitize and better utilize online resources for growth,” says Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Google’s head of brand and reputation for Africa. One thing is certain: when small businesses bounce back, African economies bounce back and prosper, which benefits everyone.”
Google has a number of activities planned for International Small Business Month, including:
The launch of a new Google Small Business Portal to help small businesses get the information and resources they need to get online and flourish.
A series of SME skills webinars designed to help small businesses engage with and grow their customer base using digital tools.
Shop Small Fridays is a social media video series celebrating and promoting small businesses across Africa.
The Google for Small Business portal was created to serve as a one-stop shop for small businesses looking to get online and increase their digital presence, as well as to help them select the right tools for online success and achieve their business goals.
“The goal of this portal is to help businesses get online. Aderemi-Makinde says, “In a competitive business environment, digital technology helps fuel economic growth and job creation, while providing vital services to people in Africa.”
This announcement comes less than a year after Google committed to helping more than 500k entrepreneurs, job seekers, and vulnerable people with support packages that include free business tools, training, and grants.
