As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of sustained growth and development, with our team dedicated to supporting businesses of all sizes in the Greater Geelong region. From our commitment to a new 10-year economic development plan to hosting high-profile international delegations and providing invaluable support and events to local small businesses, we’ve made significant strides in driving our community forward. 

Over the past year, the bold vision for sustainable economic growth over the next decade, Geelong on the Rise: A Clever and Creative International City, Greater Geelong Economic Development Plan 2024–2034 was endorsed by Council. This ambitious plan, focusing on innovation, international engagement, and local job creation, sets the framework for the next decade. By harnessing Geelong’s strengths in advanced manufacturing; clean economy; agribusiness and food manufacturing; healthcare; defence; transport, logistics and fulfilment; visitor economy and events; professional business services and creative industries, the plan positions us as a globally competitive city, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life for our community.

In line with our global ambitions, we finalised the Greater Geelong International Engagement Strategy, which strengthens global partnerships and elevates our region’s international profile. Throughout the year, we hosted 60 international delegates, connecting our industries with opportunities across Southeast Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, and reinforced ties with our sister city, Lianyungang in China. Additionally, we welcomed 20 members of the Victorian Consular Corps Regional Tour, who explored Geelong’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, materials, energy, engineering, and clean economy sectors.

Throughout 2024, we facilitated significant prospective investment enquiries from businesses across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, clean economy (sustainable energy and waste), professional services, defence, tourism, creative industries, construction, telecommunications, transport, and warehousing. 

The diverse pipeline of actual investment reflects the strength and versatility of Geelong’s economy, with the current total investment pipeline valued at $14.8 billion. This includes 158 projects valued over $10 million, with $4 billion in commercial and industrial development, $2.42 billion in transport infrastructure, $1.57 billion in public buildings and utilities, $1.42 billion in medical and allied health, and $1.3 billion in residential development projects.

2024 also marks the 10-year anniversary of our clean economy business support, a decade of fostering sustainability and driving job creation. Over this time, our support has created and maintained over 670 jobs, built the skills of over 2,600 people, and expanded 60 businesses, generating over $19 million in increased sales. Two innovative organisations have successfully completed cleantech and circular economy demonstration projects with support from our Clean Economy Grants, awarded in 2023-2024. Our 2024-2025 grant applications have recently been announced, and we congratulate Boomaroo Nurseries & Wholesale Supplies Pty Ltd and Deakin University; we are proud to support the growth of clean and sustainable businesses in our region.

In 2024, we hosted numerous events to engage and develop our clean economy market, including the Clean Economy Showcase during Geelong Small Business Festival, and Circularity and the Future of Geelong at Geelong Design Week. We continued to distribute our innovative Procurement for Innovation training, which was shared with public sector procurement practitioners across Australia.

Our efforts to support local businesses saw us engage with over 4,600 small businesses through events, mentoring, training, and workshops. This year, we continued to foster partnerships with key industry partners, helping start-up businesses through the Runway Incubator program and supporting 10 women in the Business in Heels Accelerator program. Our Business Concierge service also assisted over 450 businesses, providing valuable advice on regulatory requirements, as well as information for those looking to set up or expand their operations.

One of the highlights of the year was the successful delivery of the 14th Geelong Small Business Festival, which saw 2,092 participants engage with small businesses across the region. Our continued partnership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce ensured this was a standout event, providing opportunities for local businesses to connect, grow, and gain inspiration via 66 events. We welcomed our 30,000th participant and recognised this major milestone with a unique business insight experience.
We had the honour of sponsoring the Employer of Choice Award at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, where Blackman’s Brewery took home the prize.

In the spirit of supporting our growing business community, we’ve been refining our communications to ensure that local business owners and employees stay informed and empowered. Through our Spotlight on Business service, we’ve profiled 48 businesses via our Facebook page, offering them exposure to a wider audience. If you haven’t yet featured your business, we encourage you to get in touch!

2024 also brought a new chapter for our team, with a department restructure and the introduction of our new name: Investment and Economy. Our dedicated team continues to drive the region’s economic development and investment facilitation, with key staff including Brendan Sanders, Manager of Economic & Cultural Development; Tina Perfrement, Coordinator of Investment & Economy; Hayley Ince, Senior Economic Performance Officer; Ange Rayson, Business Growth & Support Officer; Susie Ward, Strategic Projects and Communications Officer; Matt Stojanovic, Sector Development & Investment Officer; Leonie Sexton, Senior Administration Officer; and Alison Steele, Business Support Officer.

We also had the privilege of working in our second year at the Wurriki Nyal headquarters, which we’ve opened for various events and activations, allowing our community to enjoy the exceptional facilities in the building.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that planning for our trade stand at the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025 is already underway, offering us another opportunity to showcase Geelong’s strengths on the global stage.

Thank you for your continued support throughout 2024. We look forward to bringing you more business information, events, and opportunities in 2025 and beyond. Wishing you, your staff, colleagues, and families a very happy festive season!