There is just a week left before the 14th Geelong Small Business Festival kicks off.
The 12-23 August festival aims to assist and inspire community members who are keen to start a business and those looking to grow or improve their existing business. Established in 2010, nearly 30,000 residents have attended this annual calendar highlight across 630 events.
Delivered by the City and Geelong Chamber of Commerce, bookings are building for the more than 50 free and low-cost workshops, presentations and networking opportunities, such as:
- Business Support Expo;
- Cyber risks for small businesses: Red flags and simple strategic actions;
- Apprenticeship and traineeship support forum;
- Westpac Economic Breakfast;
- Starting a home-based food business;
- Get back an hour in every day;
- Unleashing reels, YouTube shorts and TikToks for social media success; and
- Nexus Clean Economy Showcase.
A limited number of seats are still available for our special launch event this Thursday 8 August from 5.30 – 8pm at The Pier Geelong.
Keynote speaker Nadia Lee, Founder and CEO of ThatsMyFace is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) thought leader and will share her bold ideas on the future of AI, deep fakes and emerging tech trends and how they are changing business.
Book your tickets soon to avoid disappointment at .
Events will be centred at Geelong’s civic precinct Wurriki Nyal, with dedicated days on the Bellarine Peninsula on Friday 16 August and in Torquay on Thursday 22 August.
Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken, Strong Local Economy portfolio chair
The Geelong Small Business Festival offers support and the opportunity to learn new skills, while contributing to a more resilient and skilled business community.
With just a week before the festival starts, now’s the time to check out what’s on offer and secure your spot.
Business finance, understanding AI, harnessing local media and negotiating commercial leases are just a few of the many valuable workshops and talks available.
Councillor Jim Mason, deputy chair of the Strong Local economy portfolio
Small businesses make up around 97 per cent of all businesses in Greater Geelong.
We are excited to celebrate and support local small businesses who are the backbone of our region’s economy.
This commitment aligns with our ‘Geelong on the Rise: A Clever & Creative International City 2024-34’ economic development plan to support workforce development, training and skills innovation.
Whether it’s refining or learning a new skill, hearing from a leader in the field or networking with like-minded people, there will be something for everyone at this year’s festival.
