GoDaddy Inc., the company that empowers everyday entrepreneurs around the world, has announced the completion of its “Start and Grow Online with GoDaddy” training program, with more than 500 entrepreneurs and small business owners trained on how to establish their businesses online. Fifty-five percent of the students were Egyptian and a further 12 percent were based in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The intensive training program was implemented as a joint effort with Startups Without Borders, an entrepreneurship support and resource hub focused on supporting entrepreneurs in the region. The training aimed to take entrepreneurs, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities, through a journey to start, improve and expand their business in a digital environment.

Valentina Primo, founder and CEO of Startups Without Borders, said: “We are thrilled to announce the results of the program, which has given entrepreneurs across the Middle East the tools to build their websites and strengthen their online presence. Startups Without Borders is on a mission to build a transnational ecosystem where entrepreneurs can thrive, no matter where they come from. This partnership with GoDaddy has given an outstanding opportunity to hundreds of entrepreneurs to be a part of that ecosystem.”

The course taught entrepreneurs how to take their business online. It consisted of an intensive four-hour educational workshop to help small businesses create and manage their digital footprint. Participants learned how to use GoDaddy’s integrated suite of online tools to choose and register a domain name, build a website, create search-friendly content to attract customers and sell their products and services online in today’s changing new world.

Selina Bieber, general manager, Middle East and Africa, GoDaddy, said: “We are glad to see that the ‘Start and Grow Online with GoDaddy’ course resulted in more than 500 participants being able to attend and benefit from the in-depth experience of GoDaddy trainers and mentors. Working together with Startups Without Borders, gave us the opportunity to empower the youth more easily in the region to be bold and have a digital impact on the world. Entrepreneurs and small business owners can rely on GoDaddy’s expert knowledge and guidance to help them achieve that goal.”

The course content, designed by GoDaddy and available in both English and Arabic, included topics such as defining online presence, wonders of the digital world, choosing a domain name, the importance of having a professional email address and hands-on planning, and building and securing a website. Participants stated they gained knowledge and experience and many expressed interest in attending future courses with advanced topics.