Google to web-enable SMEs in Gujarat

Google has helped 5,000 SMEs in Gujarat go online under 'India, get your business online' campaign

Even as it looks to help Gujarat-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) go online, search engine giant Google is looking to tap verticals like export oriented units (EOUs), textiles and jewellery in the state.

As part of its national campaign, 'India, get your business online', Google is offering free websites and hosting space to SMEs in India. In Gujarat, the campaign has already seen 5,000 SMEs go online.

However, for greater success, Google plans to tap several verticals that can see quicker acceptance among SMEs, such as textiles, jewellery and other export oriented units. The company is of the view that Gujarat predominantly houses a large number of SMEs that deal in the entire value chain of textiles as well as jewellery, such as diamond polishing, jewellery design and manufacture, and retail stores.

In Ahmedabad itself Google has helped some major jewellery retailers to set up their own websites to garner more business. While Google offers assistance in designing websites free of cost, the company has partnered with HostGator for hosting space.

In Gujarat, Google is targeting towns and cities with a SME presence, such as Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara. It has built websites for 5,000 small businesses. It is planning to help 50,000 SMEs in Gujarat go online by the end of 2014.

"SMEs are a key driver for economic growth in India, but very few businesses have been able to utilise the benefits of the internet effectively. Gujarat houses the largest number of SMEs in the country. These can benefit greatly by having a website for their businesses which will open up new markets for them," said Suryanarayana K, Head of SMB Sales, Google India.

He added: "We aim to get 50,000 SMEs online, which will dramatically change the business landscape and opportunities for SMEs in Gujarat. There are a large number of SMEs in verticals like export-oriented units, textiles and jewellery that can be tapped."

Google's research has shown that SMEs that use the internet see revenue growth of 51 per cent and growth in profits of 49 per cent. "By being present on the internet, they can make the world their market and continue to boost the economy of the country," Suryanarayana said.

Google will also host several workshops through its 200 partners in Gujarat, who will provide local support to SMEs, help them to go online and grow their business through online marketing. The campaign will be supported by a marketing campaign focused on improving awareness of the benefits of the internet for SMEs.