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In partnership with Google and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced a yearlong initiative to get Fairfield’s businesses online through Google’s Get Your Business Online program.
"Although 97 percent of Internet users are now looking online to find local products and services, 58 percent of American businesses still do not have a website," said a press release. "Through increased participation in the Get Your Business Online program, the Town’s Department of Community and Economic Development and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce hope to close that gap."
Get Your Business Online provides small business owners with a custom domain name, web hosting and access to educational resources free for one year. Since its debut in July 2011, the program has helped more than 300,000 businesses, according to the release.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and businesses that are online grow faster and are twice as likely to create jobs,” said Mark Barnhart, director of Community and Economic Development. “Their stories of success are our stories of success, and that is why the Town is delighted to partner with Google and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce on this important new initiative.”
The process can be easy and fast, said Scott Levitan, director of Small Business Engagement at Google.
“The misconception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many small businesses from taking the first step,” said Levitan. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for businesses to get online.”
Fairfield is part of a growing list of communities planning to take advantage of Google’s Get Your Business Online program this year.
“Businesses have to be where their customers are,” Beverly Balaz, Executive Director of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce said. “In 2014, that’s online.”
Interested business owners can visit the GYBO website or contact Mark Barnhart, Director of Community & Economic Development at 256-3120 or Beverly Balaz, Executive Director of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce 255-1011 for further information on the program.
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