Google, DLI partner for free digital skills training

LEWISTOWN --- Calling it a transformational opportunity for small businesses within the Juniata Valley, officials from Downtown Lewistown Inc. and Google announced a new partnership to provide free digital skills training Friday.

As part of the agreement, a new Grow with Google Digital Coach was hired to teach a free digital skills workshop hosted at the Birch Hill Event Center in Burnham.

"We are honored to be selected as the partner organization in Pennsylvania, one of 10 host communities in the entire country to provide digital skills training to small businesses in not only Mifflin and Juniata counties but to rural communities across the Commonwealth," said Jim Zubler, executive director of Downtown Lewistown Inc.

According to the Connected Commerce Council, nearly 80 percent of small business leaders adopted digital tools during the last two years to create opportunities for their business.

To help more small business in Pennsylvania's small towns use digital tools, Joshua Miller will serve as the Keystone State's newest Grow with Google Digital Coach. Miller has spent more than five years helping businesses build strategic plans and partnerships to advance their goals.

"Google is committed to creating economic opportunities for small businesses in Pennsylvania," said Lucy Pinto, senior manager of the Grow with Google Digital Coaches program. "We are proud to partner with Downtown Lewistown Inc. to help more small businesses and entrepreneurs in Pennsylvania grow their online presence, reach new customers, and unlock additional sources of revenue."

Since its start in 2017, the Grow with Google Digital Coaches program has trained more than 160,000 small businesses. Grow with Google Digital Coaches are local marketing experts and entrepreneurs who help diverse small businesses grow. The coaches provide digital skills training, hands-on coaching, and opportunities to meet and learn from successful entrepreneurs.

DLI works to revitalize and preserve the traditional downtown district and provides technical assistance for neighboring municipalities, businesses and communities to secure funding and support innovative solutions.  DLI affiliated with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the state's lead advocate and state Main Street Program coordinator for business and community development.

"What sets Main Street apart is the powerful statewide network," said Julie Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. "It is this unique combination of grassroots dedication to comprehensively improving quality of life at the local level that transforms communities, celebrates historic character, and revitalizes economies. As the state coordinating program for Main Street in Pennsylvania, we are excited to help leverage the Main Street America network and be a partner in this process to support Downtown Lewistown Inc."

To learn more and sign-up for an upcoming local workshop, visit https://events.withgoogle.com/digital-coach-joshua-pa/