Google has announced 1,000 scholarships for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to help them create online shops to advertise their products.
The company said in a statement on Wednesday, June 15, that the SMEs will be given digital marketing skills to help them grow their businesses.
Agnes Gathaiya, Google’s Country Director for Kenya and East Africa, stated that the company’s collaboration with Coursera, a well-known open online course provider, would result in the development of an online career certificate course in digital marketing and e-commerce.
She challenges Kenyan businesses to exploit the massive opportunities in e-commerce.
“E-commerce presents an opportunity for small businesses in Kenya to reach new customers and grow. Through the digital marketing and e-commerce career certificates, and specialised training to our 1,000 SMB scholarship beneficiaries, we want to assist small businesses in Africa gain the expertise to connect online, expand their customer base and scale up,” she stated.
Gathaiya pointed out that E-commerce markets in Kenya had raised by 40 percent during the year 2021, hence signaling the country’s potential in harnessing the skills for growth.
“As more consumers on the continent continue to search for goods and services online, it is critical that small retail businesses learn how to better harness online tools for growth,” she entailed.
Google also unveiled Local Opportunity Finder, a new tool that evaluates a Google Business Profile and gives recommendations for how a business owner may improve how their profile appears in Google Search.
Furthermore, Hustle Academy, which provides key skills for growth to small and medium-sized retail businesses (SMBs), will be available to traders.
Google’s ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs through numerous programs is reflected in this development. The programs are designed to help entrepreneurs gain the skills they need to succeed in the digital world.
How to Apply
Entrepreneurs who want to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity should register at g.co/events/shoppingsmall and join a virtual training event as well as the Shopping Small Business Summit.
After clicking the link, they sign in or create an account. Applicants must include information such as their email address, company name, country, and business URL.
More information about the company will be required, such as the number of employees and if it is owned by a black or female entrepreneur.
After you’ve completed all of the fields, click Submit.
Good luck
