Google CEO Sundar Pichai is in India on a private holiday trip, but will host an event on 4 January where new announcements for small businesses and startups are expected, according to a report in BGR. The event will be attended by IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, as well as senior Google officials. The event is likely to see participation by Google in the Startup India and Digital India initiatives by the government.
“Small and Medium Businesses are the backbone of the Indian economy and are powering the next wave of the country’s growth. At Google, we are excited about partnering with businesses to help them unlock exponential growth through the power of digital. We invite you to join Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and other senior leaders from Google as they shine spot light on how digital can be a game changer for Indian SMBs. Also sharing thoughts will be Shri ravi Shankar Prasad, Hon’ble IT Minister, Government of India,” the invite read.
Expected announcements involve the Digital Unlocked platform, an online learning tool for small businesses and startups. The training is certified by Google and the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. There is a primer application that rapidly trains users on new digital marketing techniques. Business owners can set goals such as increasing visibility, reach more people, increase sales, and then track progress as they get help and tips from experts.
The platform helps businesses go online. The effort is in partnership with many local industry bodies, including Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA), the Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI), the Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI), the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA), and the All India Association of Industries (AIAI). All these bodies were already working on nurturing the growth of small and medium businesses.
Google introduced the “My Business” app in Rajasthan. The application provides a one point interface for small business owners to feed in and update information about their businesses on Google Search and Google Maps. Business owners can directly feed in the working hours, vacations, contact details and locations. The accounts are authenticated by Google, and the listings can be used by consumers to provide feedback and write reviews. Business owners can add photos to the listing, and respond to the reviews.
Google has previously encouraged startups in India by selecting seven Indian startups for the Launchpad Accelerator program. The program selects promising Startups, provides them $50,000 (roughly Rs 33,98,250) equity free funding each, identifies the critical challenges, and provides hands on training to tackle these issues. The startup teams will receive guidance from Google Engineers, product managers and mentors from other tech firms in Silicon valley.
The conference is the latest in a series of initiatives by Google of improving its presence in India. The move comes close on the heels of Google India collaborating with Ministry of Consumer Affairs to improve online consumer protection.
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