Google Announces 1,000 Opportunities for Kenyans, How to Apply

Tech giant Google has announced 1,000 scholarships for Small and Medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to enable them open online shops in order to market their services. 
In a statement on Wednesday, June 15, the company noted that the SMEs would be equipped with digital marketing skills to boost their ventures . 
Google Country Director for Kenya and East Africa, Agnes Gathaiya, affirmed that the company’s partnership with Coursera, a well-known open online course provider, would develop an online career certificate course in digital marketing and e-commerce. 

Google Eastern Africa Country Director, Agnes Gathaiya, during the Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Google, KEWOPA Training workshop on March 22, 2022.
Kenya News Agency She challenges Kenyan businesses to exploit the massive opportunities in e-commerce. 
“E-commerce presents an opportunity for small businesses in Kenya to reach new customers and grow. Through the digital marketing and e-commerce career certificates, and specialised training to our 1,000 SMB scholarship beneficiaries, we want to assist small businesses in Africa gain the expertise to connect online, expand their customer base and scale up,” she stated. 
Gathaiya pointed out that E-commerce markets in Kenya had raised by 40 percent during the year 2021, hence signaling the country’s potential in harnessing the skills for growth. 
“As more consumers on the continent continue to search for goods and services online, it is critical that small retail businesses learn how to better harness online tools for growth,” she entailed. 
Google also announced the debut of Local Opportunity Finder, a new tool that evaluates a Google Business Profile and makes recommendations on changes that a business owner may make on how their business profile looks in Google Search. 
Further, another tool that will be at the traders’ disposal is Hustle Academy, which equips small and medium-sized retail businesses (SMBs) with essential skills for growth. 
The development is part of Google’s ongoing commitment to support SMEs through various initiatives. The programs are aimed at ensuring the entrepreneurs acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the digital space. 

A large sign outside Google’s offices in San Francisco.
File How to Apply: 
Business owners seeking to capitalise on the grand opportunity should enroll via g.co/events/shoppingsmall and attend a virtual training event and Shopping Small Business Summit. 
After clicking the link, they sign in or create an account. Applicants are required to fill in key details such as email, company name, country, and business URL. More details regarding the business will also be needed including the number of employees, and whether the company is black or woman-owned. 
After filling in all the details, click submit.