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Google to offer free seminars to help businesses get online

By Staff | Mar 13, 2014

Schatz

KAHULUI – Google is offering two free seminars for Maui businesses interested in expanding their company’s online presence. U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz will co-host these Maui workshops on Wednesday, March 19.

The “Maui Get Your Business Online” workshop is part of a national Google program designed to drive economic growth by helping small businesses increase their online visibility to find new customers and sell more products.

According to Google, 97 percent of Internet users look online for local products and services; 68 percent of small businesses in Hawaii do not have a website or online presence.

“The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many Hawaii small businesses from taking the first step,” said Scott Levitan, director of small business engagement at Google. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for businesses to get online.”

At the workshop, attendees can receive a free, easy-to-build Homestead website; free customized domain name and free web hosting for one year; a business listing on Google; and free tools, resources and training.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and an important part of Hawaii’s economy,” said Schatz. “I’m partnering with Google for this Maui workshop because we need to support our small businesses and help them grow and expand in Hawaii. I saw the hard work and sacrifices my in-laws made as small business owners day in and day out to run a successful restaurant. Our event with Google will help small business owners improve their customer base by giving them the online tools to expand their reach.”

The three-hour workshops will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, or to register, visit www.HawaiiGetOnline.com or call 1-800-986-6852.

Workshop partners include the Hawaii Small Business Development Center Network, Homestead, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and SCORE.