You’re the Business is back with new cybersecurity training.

You’re the Business, the digital upskill initiative for Irish SMEs, is back. So if you’re an SME and you want to Get Online, Grow Online, or Go Global, then be sure to check out the latest updates, including cybersecurity training. Not only are all the courses free of charge, but they are now all on demand, so you can watch at your own pace. No matter where you are on your digital journey, go further with You’re the Business.

Bring your business’s security to the next level with our latest cybersecurity training. You’ll learn how to protect your business and data against phishing and malware attacks, as well as how to create a secure experience for your customers.

Through the ‘You’re the Business’ digital platform, Irish SMEs will have access to a series of live and on-demand training sessions, geared towards supporting companies at all stages of their digitalisation journey, including those at early stages right through to those more digitally-sophisticated businesses who are ready to export globally. The training will consist of three modules that will help businesses understand how they can use digital to get online, grow online and expand internationally.

A recent comprehensive study from Google, developed in partnership with Amárach found that almost half of SMEs believe they could more than double their turnover (40%) and profitability (45%) with an investment in digital skills. The research also shows that SMEs believe that enhancing digital skills could increase environmental sustainability (21%) and reduce running costs (27%).

When it comes to training, the research found that 32% of Irish SMEs would like to invest time in digital skills training. This finding is supported by data from Google that confirms an increase of 1,100%^[1] in searches for the terms ‘IT Course’ in Ireland since January 2022.

When it comes to technology, the research shows that more than one in every ten SMEs based in Ireland (11%) are not yet using digital technology in their business - almost half (45%) of SMEs do not have their own website [comparably higher than the EU average of 23%^[2]] and 47% do not use social media and video platforms. In addition, almost half (46%) of Irish SMEs feel their employees have either none or few of the skills needed to successfully adopt and use new technologies and less than half (47%) of SMEs in Ireland have invested any time into digital skills training.

Speaking at the launch of You’re the Business in Google, Alistair A Jeje founder of Caribbean takeaway restaurant - Socafro Kitchen in Waterford said:

“The positive impact that digital has had on our business is almost invaluable. Growing our presence online has allowed us to expand, to grow our customer base, hire more people and to reach our community. I know that getting started in digital can be daunting, particularly when running a business leaves very few, if any, spare hours in the day but there are excellent supports out there. I would encourage fellow founders to engage with their LEO and to visit the You’re the Business campaign site to see what digital can do for your business and how easy it is to get started.”

Taking ten businesses to the next stage

The ‘You’re the Business’ platform and resources are open to all SMEs, but ten participants that demonstrate a commitment to digital at different stages of their journey will be awarded with a suite of customised supports, including mentorship and ad funding. In order to be considered as one of the ten firms to receive a package of tailored supports, SMEs will be invited to submit a video [via the You’re the Business site] no longer than two minutes in duration detailing what their business means to them, as well as an example of how they have used digital to enhance their business. The ten SMEs selected by a panel of established judges will receive a customised suite of digital supports from Google, which includes a €1,000 Google ads package and expert mentorship across a range of technical areas that will help them to further develop their business.

Alice Mansergh, Director for Small Business at Google, said:

“Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices have a long history of partnering with businesses to help them thrive. We’re proud to have been able to play a part in the growth of many Irish businesses over the last two decades. Knowing that there is still a digital divide, where a significant proportion of Irish businesses are not online, even though their customers are, we are keen to come together to help. Getting online can unlock so many opportunities for businesses. Digital skills will be important for driving competitiveness and navigating volatility in the years to come, and so will be important not only to individual SMEs but to the Irish economy overall.”

Sean O' Sullivan, Head of Enterprise of Local Enterprise Office, South Cork said;

“For many small businesses taking the time to upskill and change processes, especially getting online, can be overwhelming.  Over the last few years, small businesses have needed to be reactive to a very challenging landscape, which has demonstrated the importance of businesses to develop and embrace new skills.  The Local Enterprise Offices have been to the fore with a range of supports to enable businesses get online and maximise their online presence with the likes of the Trading Online Voucher.  By partnering with Google on this initiative we will continue to support all our small businesses. We want to encourage SMEs from across the South Cork region to engage with the You’re the Business initiative to see how they can get online, grow online and one day expand internationally.”

For further information on the various training modules as well as the You’re the Business competition, please visit: You're the Business (yourethebusiness.withgoogle.com)