The Geelong Small Business Festival is back this August 2024

Partnership to deliver the 14th festival!

The City of Greater Geelong is thrilled to announce a dynamic three-year partnership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce to deliver the popular Geelong Small Business Festival.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of the festival, held in August each year. Last year’s partnership model saw the festival reach new levels of engagement and participation with the three-year extension expected to steer the festival towards unparalleled growth and learning opportunities for small businesses.

Whether you’re experienced in business, a budding entrepreneur or looking to start your own business, the region’s largest dedicated business festival provides access to elite training, engaging presentations and networking opportunities – supporting community members through every stage in the small business journey.

Expressions of interest open at 2pm today (Monday 29 April) for businesses and individuals to submit their ideas to run free and low-cost training sessions, workshops, seminars and events at this year’s festival.

Topics range from social media marketing, leadership, utilising artificial intelligence (AI), workplace culture, sustainability, retaining staff and everything in between.

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken, chair of the Strong Local Economy portfolio, said the partnership between Council and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce would support the continued evolution of the festival.

“Small businesses make up around 97 per cent of all businesses in Greater Geelong, meaning they are the engine room of our local economy,” Deputy Mayor Aitken said.

“With a focus on championing local business and promoting investment opportunities to drive economic growth in our region, we are thrilled to work together again to deliver the Geelong Small Business Festival.

“Given we have so many experienced people in the region, I encourage community members in the business community to register their interest in running a session to share their knowledge at this year’s festival.”

Jeremy Crawford, CEO, Geelong Chamber of Commerce said the continuation of this partnership was paramount to offering our region’s businesses the best opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.

“Changes have been made to offer more accessible venues and scheduling, along with magnified focus on the learning opportunities for small businesses to grow and prosper.”

Sponsorship

Each year we offer sponsorship opportunities for businesses interested in sponsoring the full festival, specific events, providing in kind products and/or a discounted service offering for festival participants. If you are interested in sponsoring the 2024 festival, contact us via the button below.