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Exciting Program Announced for the 2023 Small Business Festival

The Latrobe City Council Small Business Festival is returning this year for a two week-long celebration from 4 – 15 September.

The festival delivers a series of events and workshops with thought leaders from around Australia to encourage upskilling, knowledge sharing and networking.

Small businesses bring a unique touch to the broader community and play an important role in the local economy and our City’s culture. Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O’Callaghan said the festival is about celebrating their contributions and nurturing their future, with a diverse and modern program offering.

“The Small Business Festival has a variety of events that are focused on giving our local community the chance to gain inspiration and make new connections,” said the Mayor.

“The event was a great success last year, with business finding the opportunities the festival events brought to be invaluable in networking, further developing their skills and enhancing opportunities for their business.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a business owner or not, all events are relevant to any individual who is ready to learn something new and meet likeminded people.”

The festival program includes workshops, keynote presentations, and a night market.

There will be several special guest presenters such as award-winning speaker and marketing maven, Katrina McCarter, customer experience mogul Amanda Stevens, and demographic and global trends expert Simon Kuestenmacher.

Key business topics such as visual merchandising, marketing, customer experience, maximising profit, podcasting, and more will be covered throughout.

The full event line-up is listed below:

  • Small Business Festival Launch, 4 September, 11am – 12:30pm, Moe Library (invite only)
  • The Importance of First Impressions with CC, 5 September, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Nambur HQ
  • An Evening with Amanda Stevens, 6 September, 6 – 8pm, Morwell Innovation Centre
  • Customer Experience Workshop, 7 September, 6 – 8pm, Moe Library
  • Marketing with no Money with Katrina McCarter, 11 September 9am – 12:30pm, GPAC
  • The Secret Language of Consumers with Katrina McCarter, 11 September, 6 – 9pm, MOMO’s
  • Manufacturing Industry Networking Event, 12 September, 6 – 8:30pm (invite only)
  • Introduction to Podcasting, 12 September, 6 – 8pm, Moe Library
  • Simon Kuestenmacher Keynote, 13 September, 6 – 9pm, GPAC
  • Attract, Recruit and Retain Employees Workshop, 14 September, 12:30 – 3pm, Century Inn Traralgon
  • Collaborating with Universities, 14 September, 5:15 – 6:45pm, Morwell Innovation Centre
  • Sustainable Development Goals in Gippsland, 15 September, 7:30 – 9am, Morwell Innovation Centre

The Small Business Festival is delivered by Council to show support for local businesses and provide them with the resources they need to grow and succeed.

To find more information about the festival program and buy tickets online, visit:

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