GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, GOOGLE ANNOUNCE FREE WEBSITES FOR MARYLAND BUSINESSES

Google Launches Maryland Get Your Business Online Program

ANNAPOLIS, MDstrong> – Governor Martin O’Malley and Google today announced the launch of Maryland Get Your Business Online – a program designed to support Maryland businesses by providing 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 Maryland economy.

Maryland Get Your Business Online is an easy and fast way for Maryland businesses to gain an online presence. Over the next year, participating Maryland businesses can go to http://www.marylandgetonline.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 Maryland are invited to the kickoff event at the Legg Mason Tower, 100 International Drive in Baltimore on July 17th from 8:30am-3:00pm. 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 Maryland 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.

“Maryland is a recognized leader in giving entrepreneurs and small business owners the tools and resources they need to serve their vital role as the lifeblood of our economy,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Getting every Maryland small business online is one more critical step we can take together to stay competitive and expand opportunity in this rapidly-changing, 21st century economy.”

“The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many Maryland small businesses from taking the first step,” said Scott Levitan, Director of Small Business Engagement at Google. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for 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 Maryland and to help them create a customized presence that represents their unique brands.”Both the website and event registration are currently available. For further information, please visit http://www.marylandgetonline.com/