Google is launching a number of initiatives to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) get back on their feet after the devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

The group aims to address the need for funding, training and services across identified sectors, including support for 500 000 SMBs and 25 000 teachers.

“Small businesses have been hardest hit during this period. Many of them have had to figure out quickly how to pivot their operations to a digital-first approach,” says Google South Africa country director Alistair Mokoena.

However, a gap remains between those able to access online opportunities and those that have no access, a gap which Google aims to bridge with the new initiatives.

To this end, Google established a digital hub to provide free tools and resources for businesses and individuals, including assistance for businesses to go online or improve their digital presence through Google My Business (GMB), which helps businesses connect with millions of users every month.

Alongside this, free marketing kits and market finder tools are available to help with the development of marketing kits for businesses, access to updated insights for negotiating a Covid-19 and post-Covid-19 environment and provide assistance with localisation, international payments and logistics for African businesses looking to reach new customers around the world.

“Using information from their GMB profile, the tool helps businesses keep customers informed [about] their latest news, create custom posters and social posts,” says Mokoena.

Further, Google is providing underserved communities and job seekers with information technology support scholarships, valued at R12.5-million, through Google.org across Africa in an effort to help job seekers acquire new skills while they look for opportunities.

“Job seekers can also access the Grow with Google training portal for help in growing their careers or businesses at their own pace and through flexible and personalised training courses.”

Through Google for Education, Google is working with partners across Africa to help deploy its suite of education products in educational institutions and for teachers. This will enable 500 000 students to continue learning.

The initiative also aims to give 25 000 educators access to free online training sessions and resources, such as Teach from Anywhere.

In addition, Google.org set aside R50-million in grants to nonprofit organisations that support education, entrepreneurship and women empowerment across Africa.

Software development nonprofit firm the Praekelt Foundation has been allocated an R8.3-million grant from these funds to help train micro- and small businesses in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria.

Praekelt builds open-source, scalable mobile technologies and solutions to improve the health and wellbeing of the underprivileged.

An additional R8.3-million grant has been allocated to Youth Employment Services to provide twelve-month employment opportunities and digital skills for disadvantaged youth in South Africa.

“We will continue to do our part to help businesses recover and grow, help more people prepare for jobs, and support students, teachers and underserved communities. And, in so doing, we hope to create real economic opportunity for everyone,” concludes Mokoena.