Mubasher: Google has launched ‘Grow Stronger with Google’ programme to help 1 million job-seekers and local businesses in the MENA region grow their businesses by the end of 2021.

The tech giant will work with Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Saudi Arabia’s Atta Digital Initiative, and the UAE’s NAMA Women Advancement Establishment to train 300,000 students and businesses in digital marketing, according to a statement on Wednesday.

The company is also allocating $1.1 million worth of Google.org financial grants to organisations such as Mercy Corps, Arab Tourism Organization, and Youth Business International, to mentor businesses and entrepreneurs on digital marketing and strategies across the MENA region.

Moreover, Google will also provide loans worth $3 million to thousands of underserved small businesses in collaboration with the online lending platform Kiva.

During the lockdown, searches for online shopping in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE surged by 28% as more people shop online, according to data from Google.

The company also launched Market Finder in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to provide businesses with local-tailored recommendations and resources in order to enter new markets.