#DearEtterbeek – Let’s support local businesses together!

#DearEtterbeek is the name of a recently launched programme which aims to support local businesses in Etterbeek. The project is a partnership between Google and the Municipality of Etterbeek (Brussels) working together to digitize local businesses and promote local shopping in Etterbeek.

Small and local businesses are often not taking advantage of the online presence – sometimes they lack knowledge or means to get started but sometimes they simply do not realise the importance and potential benefits of it. This means that very few local businesses are digitized – mostly they do not have an online booking system, e-shop, or other forms of online presence & engagements with customers. At the same time, most Belgian consumers are willing to buy online which turns them to the large foreign platforms and leaves local businesses behind in the digital race.

The Covid has also greatly accelerated this behaviour, and majority of small businesses felt a direct negative impact on their activity. One of the main objectives of #DearEtterbeek is to help in digitalization of small & local businesses in this municipality of Brussels.

During last months, the program has digitized over 150 of businesses in Etterbeek, via private and personalized coaching sessions with digital experts. Experts and local merchants collaborated on improving online visibility, creating a website, an eshop, and sharing useful tips on effective online communication & marketing. This programme was entirely free for the local businesses and had a goal to improve the understanding on the importance of developing a “digital side” when it comes to running a local business.

Public invited to support their local businesses

#DearEtterbeek also has a mission to boost local shopping and inspire the residents to use the power of this campaign to support their local shops & services. This will help to put local merchants in the spotlight and also encourage consumers to discover their local businesses using digital tools.

The consumers and general public are invited to support their local businesses by sharing posts on social media from their favourite shops, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, artisans & all other types of local businesses.

Don’t forget to add the hashtag #DearEtterbeek in your posts and support your local community! 🙂