Google thrives as the web thrives, so the company is, understandably, encouraging all business owners to take get their businesses online. To that end, Google has created “Get Your Business Online with Google,” a website developed to help small business owners create a functioning website that will bring in customers. The site also holds events where business owners can get help with setting up their business webpage from Google. One such event in Kentucky was recently highlighted by Matt Cutts in a tweet. Cutts is the head of Google’s webspam team and a graduate of the University of Kentucky, which featured an interview with Cutts during its recent graduation ceremonies.

The Kentucky event will be held on May 29, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm at The Henry Clay event space in Louisville, Kentucky. At the event, business owners can get help building an Intuit website, obtain a customized domain name, and get free online tools and training – all free for a year. After the free year is over, business owners can continue using both the domain name and Intuit web hosting for around $7 per month. Laptops will be provided at the event, or attendees may bring their own.

Pre-registration for the Louisville, Kentucky event is currently available. Business owners can sign up for three different sessions throughout the day which cover topics including building the free website, how to grow a business online, and how to promote a business online.

As Google points out on the Get Your Business Online website, having a web presence is vitally important in 2012. They cite statistics showing that although 97% of consumers look online for local products and services, 71% of Kentucky businesses do not have a website. Take a look at this video Google has prepared that shows just how easy they are making it to get online and leave a comment below if you plan to attend one of the events or tell us how your business has grown since going online.