Since the start of statewide shutdowns for COVID-19, over 700,000 jobs have been lost forcing millions of Americans to file for unemployment, according to Black Enterprise.

The shutdowns have forced small businesses to close leaving many entrepreneurs without a source of income. As business-owners and other job seekers pivot to new ventures to stay afloat during this time, Google has launched a new virtual platform to make this transition smoother.

This week, Google unveiled its newly launched online program Grow with Google OnAir, an in-person program that originally launched in 2017, to allow job seekers to learn new skills in the digital space.

“Though we’re no longer able to gather in person, that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. So we’re announcing virtual programmes from Grow with Google that can help,” Director of Grow with Google, Jesse Haines, said in a statement reported by Ummid.

“We hope that people across the country — including job seekers and small business owners— can boost their potential with the diverse content contributed by our Grow with Google team and our incredible partners.”

The online training program offers free virtual workshops, interviews with career experts, events, one-on-one coaching sessions to help you get the most out of digital tools, and programming from partners, including Merit America and the National Congress of American Indians.

Google’s new website allows users to easily search and register for upcoming events as well as browse through their “On Demand” events.

The revamped program will provide a foundation for new digital content, including guidance in developing skills for Analytics or YouTube.

“Face to face learning has always been integral to Grow with Google’s mission. Since that’s no longer possible, we are pivoting our resources to a virtual space that is personalized and interactive to give users an equally beneficial experience,” said Haines.

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