Google, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices are renewing their partnership to help upskill Irish SMEs by launching the 2023 You’re The Business competition. This initiative will reward businesses across Ireland that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their journey, from those who have launched a website through to those who are just starting to export.
SMEs will be invited to submit a video 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. Entries are open now until October 31st 2023.
The successful SMEs selected by a panel of established judges, will receive a digital support package from Google which includes a €1,000 Google ads package as well as expert mentorship across a range of technical areas that will help them to develop their business. An additional prize of a video creation kit will also be awarded to one SME that has demonstrated great efforts in promoting their business online.
Cera Ward, Managing Director at Google Ireland said: “Google is committed to supporting Irish SMEs upskill. We were so inspired by last year’s entries that really showed how SMEs strived to get their business online and how being online has helped them to succeed and grow, both domestically and further afield. We are excited to launch this year’s competition and look forward to learning about more SMEs, their challenges, and digital ambitions. Google wants to support these companies as they take the next steps on their digital journey.”
John Magee, Chair of Local Enterprise Office Network said: “The digital transformation of Irish businesses is essential for their future success and 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 and our Digital Start programme. We are committed to helping Irish businesses thrive in a digital world, and this initiative in partnership with Google is just one of the many ways we continue to support our clients on their digital journey.”
Speaking at the launch announcement, Caryna Camerino of Camerino Bakery said: “Our website was designed to be our virtual shop window, allowing customers to customise their ideal celebration cake. Going digital meant that our online sales could continue smoothly while we grew the business and opened our new cafe in the Irish Museum of Modern Art. With Google’s help, we are now looking to reach new customers via online marketing, newsletters, and email campaigns”.
Entries are open now with further information on the You’re the Business competition available at: g.co/yourethebusiness
Deadline
Entries are open until October 31st 2023.
How to enter
SMEs to outline how digital has helped their business so far by answering these questions in a short video (two minutes or less):
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What does your business mean to you?
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What one change have you made to grow your business online?
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What opportunities could growing online create for you?
SMEs will be asked to upload the video to YouTube – details on how to upload are here. All videos must be original content only (including use of music), and should be a maximum of two minutes in duration.
Evaluation
Judges will appoint winners based on the following criteria:
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Demonstrate how digital skills have helped their business to grow and succeed.
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Have an inspirational story about how getting their business online has helped them to succeed.