According to the search engine giant, more Australians than ever before are researching products and services online, before venturing into a shop, with Monash University research showing that this trend makes up 50 per cent of Australian shoppers.

"At Google, we want to help propel the Australian digital economy," Google Australia's head of online, Julian Persaud said.

"The Internet drives efficiencies and opens new markets. Encouraging more Australian businesses to connect with customers online is a major part of that vision."

The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) welcomed the Google offer, saying it could potentially put millions of dollars into the small business sector.

"We'd like to see more companies supporting Australian small business with creative offerings like this, as this will boost the overall economy and directly assist a sector that employs over four million Australians," COSBOA CEO Jaye Radisich said.