Atlanta, GA (AP) - Gov. Nathan Deal says Georgia says the state has formed a partnership with Google to bring free websites to small businesses.

Deal announced the new program Monday. He said the initiative is aimed at helping small businesses grow and find new customers.

Participating businesses can go to www.georgiagetonline.com and develop a free website, as well as free tools, training and other resources.

Google's director of small business engagement, Scott Levitan, said the program helps dispel the perception that creating a website is complex, costly and time-consuming. He said that stigma has prevented many small businesses from using the Internet to expand their customer base.

Georgia joins a host of other states and 23 countries working with Google's Get Your Business Online program.