Google is to expand its ‘Grow With Google’ programme to train c.8,000 SMEs at workshops across the country  in partnership with state agencies.

In 2018, 4,000 people from Irish companies attended Google's monthly business breakfasts at its Dublin HQ, while 500 and more attended regional workshops in Cork, Limerick and Shannon.

For 2019, Google is collaborating with Enterprise Ireland to ramp up the programme to five regional workshops plus 11 workshops at the Google Foundry in Dublin.

Country manager for large sales Cera Ward said: “SMEs generate more than 70% of all jobs in the non-financial business economy. Our common objective is to work with Irish companies so they can grow and create new jobs in local communities, and ensuring businesses and their employees have access to digital tools and training is critical to delivering on it. 

“Our Grow with Google programme has already trained more than two million people in digital skills across the EU, and we are committed to ensuring Irish people and companies are at the forefront of digital.”

In Association with

The first regional Grow with Google workshop will be in the Theatre Royal in Waterford on 7 June, followed by NUIG Galway on 24 June. Attendance is free but registration is required.  

Companies attending will also be trained in MarketFinder, a free online tool that helps businesses along their export journey, using Google’s data and partners’ expertise. The company says it helps users pinpoint a shortlist of promising new markets and tap into country-specific insights, from monthly product searches to popular market trends.

EI Brexit unit head Jonathan McMillan commented: “Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting Irish companies to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit and we are delighted to partner with Google on this digital programme to support businesses to go global. We will continue to encourage Irish businesses to think of the Eurozone as an extension of their home market.”

Photo: Google executives Cera Ward and Marie Davis with Jonathan McMillan. (Pic: Conor McCabe Photography)