Facebook launches new programs to help SMBs in India

Facebook today rolled out a dedicated offline to online SMB Guide to help SMBs in their journey from going offline to online. The Guide has been designed to provide a step-by-step direction on how the smallest of businesses can build a digital presence quickly, and reach potential customers online.

Facebook has launched Season of Support, which is a dedicated resource to boost business and build sales for small businesses during this time. (REUTERS)

Facebook on Wednesday launched a bunch of new programs to help the small and medium business enterprises (SMBs) to stay afloat and grow amid the pandemic.

Firstly, Facebook today rolled out a dedicated offline to online SMB Guide to help SMBs in their journey from going offline to online. The Guide has been designed to provide a step-by-step direction on how the smallest of businesses can build a digital presence quickly, and reach potential customers online. It covers Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and key themes such as building an online presence, mobile storytelling, social media advertising, and creative and performance strategies.

Facebook says that the offline to online SMB Guide for India is free and it is publicly available in Hindi as well as in English in order to support a large number of businesses across distinct geographies. Facebook is proactively reaching out to 9 million SMBs across the country to ensure it reaches the businesses who need it the most.

In addition to the SMB Guide, Facebook is also rolling out the next leg of its Boost with Facebook, which is the company's flagship skilling and learning program for scaling young businesses. The program went virtual earlier this year owing to the pandemic and it is now going vernacular wherein it will be delivered primarily in Hindi through Facebook Live sessions. Facebook says that one of the key themes discussed during Boost with Facebook will be how small businesses can build for Diwali and the festive season beyond it. To provide comprehensive support during the festive season,

Lastly, Facebook has launched Season of Support, which is a dedicated resource to boost business and build sales for small businesses during this time. The company says that the resource enables small businesses to seek support from Facebook's expert team and also utilize personalized resources to help them reach their desired goals. As a part of this program, the company is offering short courses under ten minutes and simple guides packed with insights on building an online presence, keeping one's audience engaged, and increasing sales will be made available so that businesses can seize the season.