More than 1000 small businesses and individuals joined Google’s pop-up event in Perth this week, our biggest one yet, to learn new digital skills.

Businesses took part in the Digital Garage training to learn more about how their business can be found online and how they can use digital tools to grow.

Western Australian Premier, Hon Mark McGowan MLA spoke to small business owners at the event this morning and highlighted the digital opportunity for local businesses.

The Premier said businesses had much to gain from getting online and embracing the power of digital tools. He spoke about his family’s small business and how the way people look to connect with businesses has changed over the years.

The Premier with Google's Jesse Suskin

More than 93,000 businesses in WA use Google to connect with customers in Australia and around the world.

Businesses thrive when they embrace technology. Deloitte research found small businesses that make the most of the web are 1.5 times more likely to be growing revenue and 8 times more likely to be creating jobs.



But not all businesses are making the most of the web. More than 90% of small businesses are not taking full advantage of today’s digital tools - and that’s where the Digital Garage can help!



We also know that some Australians don’t feel like they have the skills they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.

That’s why Google.org and Infoxchange launched the Digital Springboard in Perth this week, a free skills training initiative to help Australians gain new digital skills and prepare for the future - find out more here.

The Perth pop-up is the latest stop in our national roadshow, training small businesses right across the country from Dubbo to Darwin and many places in between.

To find an event near you or to learn more about getting your business online check out The Digital Garage.

Posted by John Ball, Director of Small Business, Google Australia