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Google, North Carolina business organizations and Intuit Websites are providing an option for small business owners to set up a website free of charge for a year.
The program, called North Carolina Get Your Business Online, is designed to help small business owners establish their own websites. Google is working with several business organizations, including the Charlotte Chamber, the N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center, and the N.C. Department of Commerce.
More than two thirds of small businesses in North Carolina don't have their own website, according to the group. Since many people search online now for local businesses, that can be a disadvantage, Google said.
"The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many North Carolina small businesses from taking the first step," said Google's director of small business engagement, Scott Levitan, in a statement.
The service will be free to users for the first year. Business owners can use Intuit's programs to create their website. After the first year, the website and domain name will cost $6.99 a month. Intuit will provide free email support for 30 days, after which users can upgrade to a "Business Lite" package with support included, for $7.99 a month.
Classes for business owners to learn more about creating websites and promoting their business online are planned for Friday, in the Big Chill, at 911 East Morehead Street. You can register here, or call 800-985-3415.
Google operates a $600 million data center in Lenoir, which employs over 100 people.
