Facebook launches #LoveLocal initiative in MENA
Facebook has launched #LoveLocal, a new initiative to support local small and medium businesses in the Middle East and North Africa region. The campaign, launched across the Facebook family of apps including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, will amplify the voice of SMBs and shed light on their stories and their challenges to help generate consumer demand for local SMBs across the region.
Through this initiative, Facebook will provide business owners access to its Middle East and North Africa SMB Training Hub that will make 40 online webinars available for free that businesses can use to master a range of digital tools covering digital marketing and e-commerce, and develop and grow their business presence online. Courses have been developed in partnership with popular ecommerce platforms and partners.
“According to the ‘Global State of Small Business’ report in July 2020, 70 percent of businesses in the MENA region reported reduced sales, with around 40 percent reducing their workforce in response to the pandemic,” said Ramez Shehadi, Managing Director for Middle East & North Africa, Facebook. “Small businesses are the backbone of any economy and pillars of their local communities. Our #LoveLocal campaign is aimed at supporting local businesses and driving communities towards greater engagement with them in an effort to bring sustenance and growth for SMBs now, and in the road ahead.”
The SMB Training Hub will give MENA SMB owners access to Facebook’s Business Resource Hub, an online skills training program for courses such as, ‘How to grow your online store with social media’ or ‘Keys to a successful digital transformation.’ SMB owners can also find out about Facebook’s grants programme and learn new marketing skills to grow their business during these times.
Consumers can also join the initiative by using the hashtag #LoveLocal to show how they are supporting local businesses and share their local buying experiences towards this initiative.
