Facebook Ireland will be providing free training for SMEs in Galway this week through its ‘Boost with Facebook’ series.
On Tuesday, 3 November, the virtual training event will focus on helping SMEs utilise Facebook messaging platforms to grow their business and drive results.
Facebook experts will show SMEs how to personally connect with customers through Facebook Messenger and Whatsapp to showcase their products and services and how to use special tools to automate, sort and quickly respond to messages from customers.
Minister for Disability and Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte will provide opening remarks on how the Government is supporting local businesses at this challenging time.
Guest speaker Aoibhín Garrihy, Irish actress, businesswoman and influencer, will host a small business panel with Mayo businesses Marrey Bikes and TheMathsTutor.ie as well as Moher Cottage from Co. Clare, to discuss how they have adapted to keep their businesses afloat in response to COVID-19.
SMEs will also hear from Kenny Deery, Chief Executive of Galway Chamber who will give a regional outlook on the business environment and they will receive advice, information and practical support from the Galway Local Enterprise Office (LEO). The online event is free and people can register to attend at Boost With Facebook .
Commenting on the importance of supporting SMEs during COVID-19, Ciaran Quilty, Vice President of Global Business Group at Facebook said: “Small and medium sized businesses in Galway are currently facing the challenge of a lifetime.
“The need to move fast and adapt has been crucial to the survival of many SMEs. At Facebook, we want to guide and support them as they move their business online by sharing advice, training and inspiration and help boost their digital skills to recover and grow.
“Also, we recently launched a Season of Support hub to help SMEs get Christmas ready. The hub has a range of resources such as free training, support and insights designed to help businesses continue to reach customers during this busy season.”
Small businesses in Ireland have been most affected by COVID-19 and need training and digitalisation assistance as consumer behaviour shifts online.
A recent survey conducted by OECD, the World Bank, and Facebook revealed that over 40% of Irish SMEs adapted to the pandemic by setting up a website or online business presence.
For some SMEs in Ireland, the task of moving to a digital platform can seem daunting. With this in mind, Facebook launched its virtual Boost with Facebook series to Cork, Dublin and Galway over the past few weeks.
The first session took place in Cork on 20th October, with An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, welcoming SMEs from the locality and sharing details of Government supports. Facebook’s training series is free to attend with past webinars available to rewatch at Boost with Facebook.
