West Virginia University’s Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is hosting a new series of Grow with Google webinars starting Monday, Sept 21 and going through December.
These are designed to help small businesses grow and thrive in the COVID-19 economy.
The webinars, part of Encova’s Small Business Assistance Program, help state businesses through person-to-person coaching, targeted trainings and working with lawmakers.
“Supporting our state businesses is always an important facet of our land grant mission, but it it’s even more important now that small businesses are facing increased strains due to the extended impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Anna Carrier, Encova’s Community Business Program Lead, in a statement. “We hope businesses will take advantage of these free resources that will be led by Google, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. and state experts.”
Monday’s event, which starts at 2:45 p.m., is about how to attract more customers online using digital tools. Participants can learn about the USBC’s ByBlack Initiative, a directory to find and support Black entrepreneurs and Google’s newly launched Black-owned business profile attribute. In addition, there will be tips on how to improve a web site’s visibility with Search Engine Optimization.
At 11:45 a.m. on October 14 a, Encova’s webinar will be about how to sell online during the holiday season. Participants will learn how to set up an online store with Shopify and how to list your products on Google Shopping.
The Nov. 19 webinar looks at how to be productive using Google’s digital tools, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive and other apps. The webinar will also address creative ways to accomplish a variety of tasks for professional and personal projects.
The last of Encova’s webinars, scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 17 will teach participants about how to use YouTube to grow your business.
Topics to be addressed include how to create a You Tube Channel and video content that promotes products and services and drives customers to your brand.
Javier Reyes, dean of the Chambers College and vice president for Start-up West Virginia, said small businesses in the states have the ability to survive the pandemic.
“Businesses who are adaptable and armed with the right resources to support their employees and customers will successfully navigate this crisis,” Reyes said.
For more information of Encova Center’s free webinars go to https://business.wvu.edu/research-outreach/encova-center-for-innovation-and-entrepreneurship.
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