May 1, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry, in partnership with Google, the Northeast ISBDC and Greater Fort Wayne Inc., today announced a yearlong initiative to get Fort Wayne’s businesses online through Google’s Get Your Business Online program.
Although 97% of internet users now research local products and services online, 58% of American businesses still do not have a website. Through increased participation in the Get Your Business Online program, Mayor Henry hopes to close that gap for Fort Wayne companies.
Get Your Business Online provides small business owners with a custom domain name, web hosting and access to educational resources—all free for one year. Since its debut in July 2011, the program has helped over 300,000 businesses successfully get online and start growing.
“The City of Fort Wayne is committed to ensuring that small businesses succeed in our community,” stated Mayor Henry. “By working together, we’re enhancing opportunities for small businesses to grow and thrive. I continue to be encouraged with the positive momentum we’re seeing in Fort Wayne. Proactive efforts like the online business initiative position us for additional economic investment.”
Jane Rich, Regional Director of the Northeast ISBDC, and her staff have been successfully testing this program with their clients since the summer of 2012. “Many small businesses have a misconception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming. It prevents them from taking this important first step,” Rich stated. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for businesses to establish an online presence.” Locally, 101 Tool and Die (www.101toolanddie.com) and Ascension Enterprise (www.ascensionenterprise.biz) used this initiative to gain an online presence for their businesses.
“Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is dedicated to helping businesses grow to their full potential and we are honored to host this news conference in collaboration with partners,” stated Mark Becker, CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “The City of Fort Wayne and the Northeast ISBDC’s efforts to spread the word on about this online initiative will be helpful to many of our small businesses in the community.”
Mayor Henry’s announcement adds Fort Wayne to a growing list of communities planning to take advantage of Google’s Get Your Business Online program this year.
To learn more about how to Get Your Business Online please visit, http://www.gybo.com/indiana.