Google offers stimulus package to RP businesses
Posted on November 4th, 2009
Internet giant Google has come to the aid of Philippine business as it offers business stimulus package to local businesses. Google, together with STI Colleges has offered to build free websites for 200 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Aside from that, they will also be given P2,000 worth of free credits on Google AdWords.
This one-time offer, said Derek Callow, head of marketing for Google Southeast Asia, is meant to give local business a push and boost their online presence as they help them harness the power of the Web to grow their enterprise.
Callow said, “Any Philippine company that has a product to sell and a valid business permit can apply for the package.” The first 200 businesses who will sign up at the www.google.com.ph/stimulus until December 15, 2009 will have their company websites developed by STI College for free.
Subsequent participants, Callow added, will only have to pay a one-time free of P3,000 to STI College for the website development work.
There will be no hosting charges to the companies because the websites will be hosted on Blogger.com, which is owned by Google. The business stimulus package, Callow said, is “unique to this region.” It will enable local businesses to harness the cost-effectiveness and reach of the Internet to access a wider market and increase sales.
This project is being undertaken by Google in partnership with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Go Negosyo and STI Colleges.
“We had to take a step back and show businesses how to build a website first. It’s the first step in communicating with your buyers in a cost-effective way and promoting your products on the Web,” Callow said.
CICT Cyberservices group head Monchito Ibrahim said the government fully supports the project, which aims to develop an ICT-enabled economy.
