Websites Now Free For New Mexico Businesses

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Google is announcing New Mexico Get Your Business Online. Google worked with local partners to design the program, which will help drive economic growth by giving New Mexico businesses the tools and resources to establish a website, find new customers, and grow their business. Increasing the number of small businesses online is one of the best ways to expand the New Mexico economy.

New Mexico Get Your Business Online is an easy and fast way for New Mexico businesses to get online. For the next year, participating New Mexico businesses can go to www.NewMexicoGetOnline.com to get a free website as well as free tools, training and resources to help their business succeed online. Google is partnering with Intuit to provide its popular Intuit Websites offerings for free including an easy-to-build website, a customized domain name and web-hosting for one year.

In addition, business owners from across New Mexico are invited to the kickoff event at University Arena (The Pit), 1111 University Blvd SE in Albuquerque on August 9th. Participants will learn how to build their own website, as well as attend sessions devoted to growing and promoting their business online.

Businesses simply limit their exposure to customers if they don't have a website. Small businesses need to be online because that's where their customers are. While 97% of Americans look online for local products and services, 53% of New Mexico small businesses do not have a website or online presence. In America today, no matter the size of the business, having a website is as vital as having a phone.

"In New Mexico, small businesses account for more than half of our private sector jobs and we must do everything possible to help them succeed and create more jobs," said U.S. Senator Tom Udall. "I applaud Google for bringing New Mexico Get your Business Online to Albuquerque. I encourage our small businesses to participate in this program which will show them the tools they need to grow their businesses by increasing their online profile through websites and marketing."

"Many small businesses are worried that getting online is expensive and time consuming," said April Anderson, New Mexico native and Industry Director, Retail at Google. "New Mexico Get Your Business Online breaks down the barriers to getting online and makes it fast, easy and free for New Mexico small businesses to get online."

"As a leading provider of small business solutions, we have witnessed the growth small businesses have seen from getting online," said Jennifer Creager, Product Manager at Intuit. "We are excited to offer Intuit Websites for free to all the wonderful small businesses in New Mexico and to help them create a customized presence that represents their unique brands."

"As part of America's SBDC Network I help businesses live their passion, create a business legacy and unleash their innovative spirit! I could not do this without the help of one of our business partners -- Google. Each year I attend training by Google at our national conferences and I continue to learn the future of Internet cutting edge technology," said Julianna Martinez-Barbee, Director of the New Mexico Small Business Development Center. "Google training gives a business all the tools needed to grow your business online and it's easy, I love the hands-on and instant results. The Google Tools for businesses, building a website, online marketing and how to promote your business online can help any business wherever you are at with your business. Thanks Google for helping me help businesses grow!"

Both the website and event registration are currently available. For further information, please visit www.NewMexicoGetOnline.com

SOURCE Google