Google: We’re Here to Help You, Victimized SMEs!
By Rico, 9:09 am Fri Nov 6 2009 - Announcements - 3 Opinions
Google has lots of money, and Google knows that some SMEs (small and medium enterprises) suffered from the destruction of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. So what does Google do? Make some of its massive funds available locally, as a “SME Business Stimulus Package”.
Below are the details of the stimulus package, as well as information on how to apply for it, straight from the press release:
The Business Stimulus Package aims to help local MSMEs:
- Be available 24/7 to any potential customer by establishing an online presence on the Internet
- Grow the business cost-effectively through a user-friendly website and an online marketing campaign
- Connect with 25 million Internet users in the Philippines and over one billion globally
Any Philippine company that has a product to sell and a valid business permit can apply for the package. Participants will enjoy:
- A company website developed by STI College to promote their products and services. The first 200 MSMEs who register for the package and do not yet have a website will get it for free; subsequent participants need only pay a one-time fee of PHP3,000 to STI College for the website development work.
- PHP2,000 worth of free credits from Google to start an online marketing campaign with Google AdWords, Google’s online advertising platform.
- A free tutorial from STI College on starting a website, marketing products and services online, and using Google’s technologies to promote their business.
You can contact Therese Lim (thereselim [sa] google.com) or Aileen Apolo (aileenapolo [sa] gmail.com) of Google for more information, including how to apply.
The package is generous; it really has the potential to help SMEs become more visible online and attract more customers. At the same time however, it’s clear that the aim is to showcase the benefits of paying for Google’s online promotion services (which, as any online marketing expert will tell you, is extremely effective in increasing profits if maximized). In any case, the stimulus package isn’t relevant for all businesses. Does that neighborhood vulcanizing shop really need to build its own website online?
Image from Google Logos Collection
Zach
7:07 pm Fri Nov 6 2009
If this becomes successful, this will “stimulate” the down fall of local web development / hosting businesses in the Philippines… oh well…
Fitz
6:06 am Mon Nov 9 2009
“We’re” – There should be an apostrophe there, right? Sorry, pet peeve.
Btw, you can choose not to publish this comment.
Rico
8:08 am Mon Nov 9 2009
Sorry, I’m man enough to admit to my errors
Thanks for pointing out the correction! 