You're The Business!
Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices partner to launch ‘You’re the Business’ - a new digital training scheme for Irish SMEs.
New ‘You're the Business’ platform provides online training and resources for all Irish SMEs to help them get online, to grow their digital footprint and expand internationally
Ten participants will be awarded with a suite of customised digital supports from Google, including one-to-one mentorship sessions and ad funding supports
Recent research shows that almost half of SMEs believe they could more than double their turnover (40%) and profitability (45%) with an investment in digital skills
Less than half (47%) of Irish SMEs have invested any time into digital skills training
Almost half (46%) of Irish SMEs feel their employees have either ‘none’ or ‘few’ of the skills needed to successfully adopt and use new technologies
Through the new ‘You’re the Business’ digital platform, Irish SMEs will have access to a series of live and on-demand training sessions, geared towards supporting companies at all stages of their digitalisation journey, including those at early stages right through to those more digitally-sophisticated businesses who are ready to export globally. The training will consist of three modules that will help businesses understand how they can use digital to get online, grow online and expand internationally.
A recent comprehensive study from Google, developed in partnership with Amárach found that almost half of SMEs believe they could more than double their turnover (40%) and profitability (45%) with an investment in digital skills. The research also shows that SMEs believe that enhancing digital skillscould increase environmental sustainability (21%) and reduce running costs (27%). When it comes to training, the research found that 32% of Irish SMEs would like to invest time in digital skills training.
This finding is supported by data from Google that confirms an increase of 1,100%[1] in searches for the terms ‘IT Course’ in Ireland since January 2022. When it comes to technology, the research shows that more than one in every ten SMEs based in Ireland (11%) are not yet using digital technology in their business - almost half (45%) of SMEs do not have their own website [comparably higher than the EU average of 23%[2]] and 47% do not use
social media and video platforms. In addition, almost half (46%) of Irish SMEs feel their employees have either none or few of the skills needed to successfully adopt and use new technologies and less than half (47%) of SMEs in Ireland have invested any time into digital skills training.
Damien English TD, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail said:
“The skills required for doing business in a digital-first world are constantly evolving, and it can be challenging for SMEs to stay ahead of the curve as they manage their day-to-day business needs. Irish SMEs ability to adapt and thrive is both an inspiring and vital component of their success. To prosper on their digital journey, Irish SMEs need support and that is why I am encouraging businesses from across Ireland to engage with the You’re the Business initiative and would like to wish Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices every success in its roll out.”
More information on the scheme at You're the Business https://yourethebusiness.withgoogle.com/
