Following the success of the Geelong Small Business Festival, where local businesses took part in a week of short workshops and mentoring sessions, the City is now offering more in-depth training programs to help participants expand their knowledge across four key topic areas.

The business training programs are designed to provide tailored resources, expert guidance, networking opportunities and practical tools to owners and their staff at all stages of their careers.

They are free to participants and will run throughout the 2026-27 financial year.

The programs include:

• Next-Level Growth Program delivered by 25eight: An eight-week program that helps participants grow stronger, more sustainable businesses through practical learning, one-on-one coaching, mentoring, and peer support. By the end of the program, each participant will have a clear, tailored growth plan and the skills and confidence to put it into action.
• Geelong Business IGNITE Program delivered by Institute of Excellence: Through workshops, coaching, and self-paced learning, participants will learn how to improve their leadership, finances, marketing, customer experience, and use of technology while creating a clear plan for growth.
• Vision • Traction • Healthy - Geelong Business Growth Series delivered by Growth Intelligence: Provides participants with practical tools to improve leadership, build stronger teams, and create clear plans to grow their business with confidence. Participants leave with proven strategies they can apply straight away to improve focus, accountability, and long-term business success.
• Digital Growth Series delivered by Melbourne Innovation Centre: Helps participants improve their online presence and attract more customers through practical, step-by-step training in digital marketing. Over four weeks, participants will build the skills and confidence to strengthen their brand, increase their visibility online, and put a clear digital marketing plan into action.

Providing local businesses with access to free specialised training programs supports the City’s Geelong on the Rise: A Clever and Creative International City economic development plan, which sets the strategic direction for fostering innovation and building a connected, resilient and future-focused economy.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

Local businesses are at the heart of Geelong’s economy, and providing access to specialised support programs helps ensure they have the skills, knowledge and networks needed to grow and succeed.

By investing in local businesses, we are investing in jobs, innovation and the long-term prosperity of our region.

Economic Development portfolio Chair, Councillor Trent Sullivan

When local businesses thrive, the benefits are felt across the entire community.

Supporting businesses to strengthen their operations, embrace new ideas and build resilience helps create local jobs and contributes to a stronger regional economy.

For more information, visit our Business and investment hub.