Roland Lemar

Google Hosts Free ‘Grow with Google’ Training for Local Small Business Owners, Jobseekers at New Haven Free Public Library

Tech Training Program Attended by 100+ New Haven Jobseekers, Small Business Leaders and Non-Profit Officials

Google, along with Governor Ned Lamont and Mayor Toni Harp, hosted today an all day digital skills training program for local residents, small businesses and non-profits at the New Haven Free Public Library. Today’s efforts were put on by Grow with Google, the company’s initiative to create economic opportunities for all Americans, and included four hands-on workshops for educators, small businesses and jobseekers.

“We are thrilled that Grow with Google is partnering with several of our state’s libraries to provide critical employment services to workers and small businesses and we welcome them to Connecticut,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Public-private partnerships like this ensure that residents can receive the benefits of private-sector resources by partnering with public entities, like our libraries, to help residents enhance their skills and knowledge of the digital economy.”

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to help celebrate today’s Grow with Google workshop and underscore its significance - this technology showcase fits hand-in-glove with so many other initiatives underway in New Haven,” said Mayor Toni N. Harp. “The success of today’s program will benefit everyone in its filled-to-capacity workshops because tomorrow, these newly trained small business owners and entrepreneurs will be on the streets of this city equipped with newfound, digital capabilities to help advance New Haven’s standing as Connecticut’s emerging new technology hub.”

“I’m glad that Grow with Google came to Connecticut to give people the hands-on skills training they need to succeed in the digital economy,” said U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, who voiced his support for today’s event. “Knowing how to navigate these digital tools will help local small businesses and non-profits continue to grow and reach new audiences. The event was a big success, and I’m looking forward to continuing to partner with Google to help boost Connecticut’s economy and grow jobs.”

“Being able to master the various electronic tools, and the ability to tap into today’s technology with ease, has become a highly essential skill for jobseekers, business owners, students and almost everyone in today’s modern environment,” said State Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven/East Haven), who also voiced his support. “I am pleased that Google is stepping up and providing an avenue for familiarizing individuals on the technologies of today and tomorrow and opening doors for further educational opportunities.”

“Tech impacts how we work, and Grow with Google aims to make sure every American is equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in today’s increasingly digital economy,” said Carly Schwartz of Grow with Google. “Whether a business wanting to better leverage Google Maps or a jobseeker learning about Google Slides, we think there was something for everyone who came today, and we thank Governor Lamont and Mayor Harp for helping make our visit a success.”

Today’s event began with a workshop for library administrators and education professionals on free Google tools for helping jobseekers, and concluded with best practices for protecting information online. In addition to interactive courses, Google also gave attendees one-on-one coaching sessions for its various professional services, including Google AdWords, Gmail, Google Calendar, GSuite program and Google Analytics.

Google’s New Haven visit is part of a larger library tour to increase tech literacy in America. Recognizing that libraries have become hubs for digital skills learning, the company is stopping at libraries in each state and partnering with them for programs like today’s. Connecticut marks the second state on the tour, with Hartford being the first stop on Monday and New London the third and final later this week.

To support their effort, the initiative created the Grow with Google Partner Program to empower non-profits, libraries, government agencies, educational institutions and other organizations with a range of digital skills resources. Organizations apply to the program and once accepted can use it as a hub for training content, tools and promotional materials. Partners can leverage customized toolkits for getting started, hosting trainings as well as sharing Grow with Google programs and resources with their community.

Beginning on February 11th, libraries in Connecticut are now able to apply for funds to kickstart their own digital skills programming. Last year, Grow with Google committed $1 million in micro-grants to libraries across the country through their partnership with the American Library Association.

In addition to New Haven Free Public Library, Google also partnered with the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and American Library Association to put on today’s event. Google will explore further job training opportunities with these organizations following its visit.

“Strong digital skills are fundamental to the innovation economy and the New Haven Free Public Library is thrilled to partner with Grow with Google to offer free skill-up workshops for jobseekers, non-profits, small business owners and entrepreneurs,” said Martha Brogan, City Librarian and Director, New Haven Free Public Library. “We look forward to welcoming the community to re-tool for personal, professional and career advancement. Learn forward with us @nhfpl!”

"We are excited about partnering with Google on their Grow with Google initiative to help our region's workforce grow their skills, careers and businesses," said Garrett Sheehan, President & CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. "As we prepare to host an Internship & Career Fair next month, we know how critical it is to prepare today's workforce and ensure growth and success for our region."

Developing a tech-savvy workforce is particularly important in Connecticut’s economy. According to the National Skills Coalition, “middle-skills jobs” (positions which require some skills but not four year degrees) account for 48% of all jobs in Connecticut while only 39% of state workers have the requisite skills. A recent study by Burning Glass and Capital One found that 82% of these jobs require digital skills.

According to the American Library Association, nearly three-quarters of public libraries assist their patrons with job applications and interviewing skills, 90% help their patrons learn basic digital skills and just under half provide access and assistance to entrepreneurs looking to start a business of their own.

About ‘Grow with Google’

Grow with Google is a new initiative to help create economic opportunities for Americans. The program draws on Google’s 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that help people and businesses grow. Through this initiative, we aim to help everyone across America – those who make up the workforce of today and those who will drive the workforce of tomorrow – access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers, and businesses. For more information, please visit Google.com/Grow.