Google has introduced a programme that offers mid-sized businesses in California free websites and online training.
Google said California Get Your Business Online would be an easy and fast way for California businesses to get online and get a free website as well as tools, training and resources to help their business succeed online.
The company has teamed up with Intuit to provide Intuit Websites offerings for free including a website, a customised domain name and web-hosting for one year.
Google’s director of small business engagement Scott Levitan said there is a perception that getting online is hard, that it’s expensive and time-consuming.
"As a company with roots in California, we want to make it fast, easy and free for any business in the state to get online," Levitan stated.
Google cited that 97% of Americans look online for local products and services, while just 38% of California small businesses have a website.
The company plans to host several free training seminars which will instruct participants how to build a website and how to grow and promote their business online.
The seminars will also help connect small business owners directly with web professionals in person, the company added.
