U.S. Rep. John Barrow (D-Augusta) will team up with Google to host a workshop Thursday in Augusta encouraging small businesses to utilize the Internet to grow their businesses.

At the “Georgia Get Your Business Online” event, Google experts will help small business owners create their own websites courtesy of Intuit. Businesses also receive a customized domain name, free web hosting for one year, a local business listing on Google Maps, free tools, training and resources. Google experts are on hand to train the business owners on how to reach more customers online.

“Access to an online marketplace is changing the way small businesses operate,” said Barrow.  “Google is providing an invaluable resource to these entrepreneurs and opening up some of the great businesses we have here in the 12th District to a new customer base. I’m looking forward to welcoming them to our region, and hope small businesses will take part in the workshops.”

“Georgia Get Your Business Online” is an easy and fast way for small businesses to get a website and become more visible online, where the majority of people are going to find goods and services.

“The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many Georgia 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.”

Businesses unable to attend the event can still get a free Web site and resources by going to www.GeorgiaGetOnline.com. More information about the program and the Augusta event is also available on the Web site.

Small business workshop
U.S. Rep. John Barrow and Google are holding a small business “Get Your Business Online” workshop.
• When: Thursday, with two sessions -- 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
• Where: Enterprise Mill Event Center, 1450 Greene St., Augusta
• For more: visit www.GeorgiaGetOnline.com