Running from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August, the program for the flagship business event is now live and packed with more than 50 free and low-cost workshops and masterclasses designed to connect, inspire and grow the local business community.

Event highlights include

•  ReCreate – How to Use Social Media to Become More Profitable
• Anjie Jogi – Know Your Numbers: From overwhelmed to in control
• City of Greater Geelong – Financial Clarity for Creatives: Understanding Your Money
• Manda Mae - The Lived Experience  
• Dave Chaffey – Technology Trust and the Human Factor
• Simic Financial – Think Bigger: CFO Strategies for Rapid Growth
• City of Greater Geelong - Social Procurement in Action: Supporting First Nations Employment and Wellbeing
• Kristie-Lee – Product Photography Using Your Smart Phone

The Geelong Hub is also set to return to Wurriki Nyal and will showcase daily business support exhibitors from organisations including The Gordon TAFE, Global Sisters, Cultura, Beyond Bank, Workforce Australia, Business Victoria, Skilling the Bay, Many Rivers and APM Services.

Community members are invited to attend the Business Support Expo Lunch on Monday 3 August from 12.30pm to 1.30pm to launch the festival, network and connect with these exhibitors.

This year, the festival program will visit Torquay on Wednesday 5 August, and is also aligned with the Tourism Together Conference on Wednesday 5 August, offering further opportunities for networking across the business industry.

The Geelong Small Business Festival is delivered by the City of Greater Geelong in partnership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, highlighting a shared commitment to supporting local businesses.

The festival is a key initiative aligned with the City’s Geelong on the Rise: A Clever and Creative International City economic development plan, which sets the standard for supporting innovation and fostering a connected, resilient and future-focused economy.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

Interest in hosting an event at this year’s festival was exceptionally strong, which reflects a highly engaged and vibrant local business community that’s eager to share knowledge and contribute to the event’s success.

By offering a range of events, the festival program is designed to support businesses wherever they are in their professional journey.

This ensures every participant has the opportunity to engage with topics that are specific to their unique circumstances, challenges and aspirations.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Jeremy Crawford 

With small businesses accounting for 97 per cent of our local industry, it’s never been more important to create opportunities for upskilling and development.

This is an event that delivers real results for businesses, every year participants tell us they leave with new knowledge, practical insights and valuable relationships that continue beyond the festival.

Now’s the time to check out the program and start booking your tickets.

To view the full program, book tickets or register for the launch event, visit: www.gsbf.com.au