NEWPORT, RI — Google is hosting a pair of = business workshops in Newport and Providence in the coming weeks as part of the company’s “Grow With Google” initiative. The free events are geared towards helping small business owners, job seekers, students, teachers and entrepreneurs.
“Rhode Island has a long history as a center for industry and higher education. By bringing the ‘Grow with Google’ tour to the state, we are building upon the work that local libraries have already begun to develop a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of Rhode Island’s growing economy,” said Erica Swanson, Google’s Head of Community Engagement.
The company plans to visit libraries in every state, teaching small businesses and job seekers how to best navigate the digital world, covering topics including search engine optimization (SEO), best practices for digital marketing and more. One-on-one training is also available on request.
“Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy. We need to do everything we can to provide them the data and tools they need to succeed,” Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie M. Gorbea said in a statement.
Rhode Island’s events will be held on the following dates:
Providence: Wednesday, May 29
- Providence Public Library
- 150 Empire St.
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Newport: Friday, May 31
- Newport Public Library
- 300 Spring St.
- 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sessions will run all day, with attendees invited to stop by for a few hours or the whole event.
Grow With Google was launched in 2017 with the goal of helping to educate the country’s middle-skill workforce and help decrease the skill gap.
“Providence Public Library is excited to partner with Google to bring ‘Grow with Google’ to Providence,” said Jack Martin, Providence Public Library Executive Director. “Strong digital skills are critical in this high-tech age and specifically for those seeking economic advancement. PPL is continually focused on offering high-impact technology education and workforce development to members of our community, as well as broad opportunities to bridge the digital divide.’
Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to register in advance online.