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Google is providing an easy-to-build website, a customized domain name and a year of web hosting for free to participating Passaic businesses -- which Pascrell said will help them grow.
“We need to make sure our small businesses have the resources they need to be competitive in the 21st century marketplace – a marketplace that is increasingly online," he said.
"Online access is essential to connect with customers, and often the only way to access information to improve your product or learn about competitors,” said Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9th), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.
The Internet helps businesses in many ways, "from promoting your products or services to making them accessible to consumers who aren’t local or who are looking for the convenience of purchasing products from home," he said.
Although four in five consumers use search engines to find information about local businesses, less than half of small businesses in the U.S. have a website -- 45 percent -- Pascrell said.
Only 37 percent have claimed or updated their business information on a search engine, he added.
In small communities, this could be worth up to $300,000 a year, the congressman said.
“The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-consuming has prevented many Passaic small businesses from taking the first step,” said Emily Harris, marketing manager for Google’s progam. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for businesses to get online."
Passaic businesses can go to GYBO.com to get a free website, as well as free tools, training and resources.
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