Google to assist Irish SME recovery with free training initiative

Google is to help 60,000 Irish small and medium enterprises (SMEs) recover from the Covid-19 pandemic by helping them grow online.

There are over 240,000 SMEs in Ireland, including many in the hair and beauty sector. A total of €4m of advertising credits and grants will be given to such businesses as part of a Grow with Google initiative. This is to help them rebuild by enabling them to engage with new and existing customers online. SMEs will also have access to free tools and training, as well as financial support.

“We are delighted to endorse Google’s commitment to Irish SMEs,” said Neil McDonnell, CEO of Isme, “The impact of Covid-19 has been severe for businesses across all sectors, and while we know that sentiment among businesses is rising, the future remains uncertain and the coming months will certainly be challenging.

“The Grow with Google supports and initiatives will be invaluable for businesses to help them become more resilient as they recover from the coronavirus crisis.”

“Despite the ongoing uncertainty, we want to show that having an online presence can have a transformative impact on offline businesses, not just now, but into the future,” said Alice Mansergh, director of small businesses at Google Ireland.

“I'm very excited for us to offer help and support to the incredible Irish business owners out there, to help them to succeed.”