Google, Arkansas team up on small business websites

For the next year, Google is providing free website and free web training resources for small business owners in Arkansas.

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) tells Talk Business that the goal behind the initiative is to connect small businesses with their customer base, who more and more are using the internet to find services.

Google and the ASBTDC are partnering on the project known as ArkansasGetOnline.com.

For an entire year, participating Arkansas businesses can go to the Go Online website  to get a free website as well as free tools, training and resources.

According to statistics provided by Google, 60% of small businesses in Arkansas do not have an online presence. As many as 97% of Americans go online to look for local products and services.

“We are very excited about the opportunity that Google is providing Arkansas businesses by offering free websites and trainings,” said Janet Roderick, executive director of the ASBTDC. “Google is always working to assist small businesses to enhance their online presence and increase sales. Across Arkansas, businesses turn to their local Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Centers for business planning and development assistance. Our partnership with Google provides another important set of resources to help Arkansas small businesses grow and prosper.”

The ASBTDC-Google partnership involves using Intuit Websites offerings for free, including an easy-to-build website, a customized domain name and web-hosting for one year.

“As a leading provider of small business solutions, we have witnessed the growth small businesses have seen from getting online,” said Jennifer Creager, product manager at Intuit. “We are excited to offer Intuit Websites for free to all the wonderful small businesses in Arkansas and to help them create a customized presence that represents their unique brands.”

In addition, business owners from across Arkansas are invited to the kickoff event at the Arkansas Arts Center, 501 E. Ninth St. in Little Rock on Aug 13. Participants will learn how to build their own website, as well as attend sessions devoted to growing and promoting their business online.