Work laptop and phone | PDM File Photo
NEW YORK – The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has launched “Training for Your Employees,” Feb. 4, to provide business owners and their employees with digital literacy training, marketing tools, online security, and COVID-19 safety.
“As our city fights back COVID-19, every business deserves access to the tools it needs to serve its customers virtually,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These free training courses will help New Yorkers stay safe while shopping local, and help businesses attract new customers and keep their teams safe. I urge every small business owner to take advantage.”
“The pandemic has altered the way we conduct business,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “This program will help train small business employees to get the digital skills needed to thrive in a post-COVID 19 business environment.”
The online, no-cost training will prepare small business owners and their employees to use digital platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Office 365, and Google Workspace. Lehman College will provide live instruction. Select training programs will also be available in Spanish and Chinese (Mandarin). Training courses include:
Communication: Google Meet and Gmail
Document Creation: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
Scheduling and Managing Zoom Meetings (for Hosts)
Microsoft Office Basics
Cloud Storage: Microsoft OneDrive and more.
All trainings are taught online with a live instructor on specific dates and times.
Businesses can learn more about the program’s eligibility criteria and access the application at https://www1.nyc.gov/nycbusiness/article/nyc-means-business-training-for-your-employees.
“I’m excited Lehman’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies will be able to offer this free program to give our small businesses and their employees the opportunity to learn new technology skills for their future success,” said Lehman College President Daniel Lemons.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an urgent need to help struggling workers and small businesses adapt through this difficult time and beyond,” said Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity Executive Director Matthew Klein. “We are pleased to partner with Small Business Services and build on our track record of successful workforce development programs to provide free training to employees to get vital digital skills that will help them in their careers, and also help their businesses meet pressing needs.”
