It's International Small Business Week and Google Launched New Funding and Support Programs

 International Small Business Week is taking place this week, from June 27 to July 1, and to commemorate the occasion, Google has unveiled a number of SMB support tools and offers to assist small businesses in maximizing their chances to stand out and draw clients online.

First off, Google is providing special discounts on a variety of digital tools created to aid SMBs in operating more effectively, expanding their reach, and maintaining contact with their clients.

 

Google is offering:

• Three months free of Google Workspace
• 40% off of a domain from Google Domains
• $130 off a Chromebook
• 60 days of Shopify Free and a free Shopify-built store

Those are very tempting deals, but there is a catch!  They are only accessible to companies in the US and Canada, and they only last for this week. Google's Small Business Week mini-site has more information if you want to take advantage of the savings!

In addition, Google is also promoting a new campaign called "Heroes of Small Business" with the goal of honouring SMBs that go above and beyond for their particular communities.

 

Customers can nominate a small business of their choice, with $10,000 in prize money for the selected companies. You can find out more about the campaign here.

Lastly, Google is also supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with a new program in collaboration with StartOut, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization that works to promote mentorship, access to funding, and other business tools.

Businesses can apply for the program via the StartOut website.

According to Key Small Business Statistics, as of December 2019, there are 1.2 million (97.9%) small businesses in Canada.  With fewer resources and assistance available to resist the financial blow that came with the various lockdowns and other COVID measures, those smaller operations have also been hit the hardest by the pandemic.

Therefore, it is in our best interests to be supporting smaller businesses in whatever way we can in order to strengthen our economy, which also helps to provide greater support for individuals within our local communities and opens up more opportunities for entrepreneurial success.

Do you own a small business and need help managing your IT needs?  Sign up for a Complimentary Business Systems Assessment by clicking the button below!  Reis Informatica is secure, reliable and available 24/7!