The City of Greater Geelong is backing three specialist services to meet businesses where they’re at by providing practical training programs that are relevant to their network and expertise.

The investment delivers on our 10-year economic development plan, Geelong on the Rise, which prioritises diversity and inclusion, sustainability, core skills and international engagement to build a prosperous and vibrant future for Greater Geelong. 

The successful programs are:

• Multicultural Business Hub: Delivered by Cultura in partnership with GravIT and The Gordon, the hub provides a structured pathway for multicultural entrepreneurs from early preparation to long-term sustainability, with mentoring, networking and practical business literacy.
• Business on the Rise: Culturally Strong, Locally Connected: Delivered by Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative at Booln Booln Cultural Centre, the program offers targeted, culturally informed training through workshops, one-on-one mentoring and practical tools that strengthen capability, resilience and confidence at every stage of growth.
• Circular Futures Initiative: Delivered by Federation University at the Wurriki Nyal civic precinct in Geelong, the initiative helps small and medium businesses identify and implement circular economy initiatives, combining peer learning and collaboration with tailored support.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM

Geelong is on an incredible trajectory, and supporting our business community ensures that everyone benefits from the opportunities available to them. When local businesses are supported by organisations that understand their community, the results are stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive.

With a population of more than 280,000 people – and rising – and as Australia’s only UNESCO Creative City of Design, Geelong continues to be a welcoming and innovative community leading in areas of advanced manufacturing, circular economy and education.

Economic Development chair Cr Trent Sullivan

These initiatives will give our local businesses the tools, confidence and connections they need to grow. This will go a long way to reach and upskill the full breadth of Geelong’s business community.

Cultura CEO Rebecca Smith

We are incredibly proud to lead this transformative initiative, which will accelerate economic participation, strengthen business capability and build entrepreneurial confidence across Geelong’s multicultural communities. The Multicultural Business Hub will be delivered by Cultura and will play a critical role in strengthening our regional workforce, growing our small-business sector and directly advancing the City of Greater Geelong’s priorities around economic development, inclusion and innovation. 

This is about backing the talent, skills and ambition that already exist within our diverse communities and creating clear, practical pathways for business success.

The three programs will be delivered over coming months, and information can be found at Business and investment in Geelong.