Nov. 4--Google Inc. on Tuesday launched a "business stimulus package" for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country to help them market their goods and services online better. According to Google, any local MSME with a valid business permit can apply for the stimulus package by signing up at www.google.com.ph/stimulus starting today until December 15.

Upon signing up, participants can avail of the following: a simple company website developed by students of STI College. The first 200 applicants can get it for free, while subsequent participants would have to pay a one-time fee of P3,000 for website development; P2,000 worth of free credits to advertise on Google AdWords; and a free tutorial from STI on putting up a website and online marketing.

"It's been tough for small and medium Philippine businesses in the last 12 to 24 months [due to the global economic slowdown]. When it's tough--when everyone's slowing down--it is a good time to speed up business," Derek Callow, Google's head of marketing for Southeast Asia, said in a briefing.

Callow said the Internet is a huge platform that can help small companies reach more customers. At present, about 25 million Filipinos use the Internet.

He said the Google package can help businesses establish a cost-effective online presence since STI will put up websites at a lower cost, while Google will promote these sites through its online advertising platform.

In addition, the MSMEs only pay when a potential sales lead clicks on their online ad. "This initiative is going to help MSMEs increase their market audience," Monchito Ibrahim, Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) commissioner, said.

For this project, Google partnered with CICT, Go Negosyo and STI Colleges, as well as with the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions and Philippine Marketing Association.

Google has also launched similar business stimulus packages in Singapore and Thailand, Callow said.

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