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Google announces 'Grow' initiative to spur business in Pittsburgh, globally

PITTSBURGH — It's called the “Grow with Google” initiative.

Google's CEO promised Thursday that, by the year 2020, individuals and businesses in Pittsburgh will be ready for the ever-changing workforce.

"We have so much more work ahead of us to make sure those opportunities are available to everyone and that's why we're here today," said Sundar Pichai.

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Pichai chose to make the “Grow with Google'' announcement in Pittsburgh, saying it "amazed him."

The nationwide initiative will hand out more than $1 billion in grants over the next five years to nonprofits around the world to help people find jobs and start businesses.

"For job seekers, for small businesses and for students we need to have the tools and resources for them to succeed at their endeavors,” said Pichai.

The initiative includes online job training and programs to earn professional certificates. It will sponsor more than 2,000 full scholarships for an 8- to 12-month course in IT.

The announcement was made to an eager audience, including Gov. Tom Wolf, Mayor Bill Peduto and other city officials.

"They're reaffirming Pennsylvania's virtues as a great place to do business,” Wolf said. “And as the governor and a lifelong Pennsylvanian, I really appreciate that."

In addition, $10 million will be given to Goodwill, the largest single donation Google has ever made. The nonprofit will use the money to provide digital training for more than 1 million people.

"As we're seeking to better the lives of children and their families,” said Walter Lewis of Homewood Children’s Village, “now there are tools that are available to do just that.”

Google also announced an Impact Challenge, an opportunity for Pittsburgh nonprofits to win one of five $50,000 grants.