The Geelong Small Business Festival returns from Monday 4 August to Friday 15 August 2025.
The festival is a flagship event celebrating local enterprise, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and now is the time for aspiring hosts to get involved.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to host an event are now open until 5pm on Monday 19 May, providing businesses, industry leaders and organisations with the opportunity to contribute to the dynamic festival program.
The Geelong Small Business Festival is delivered by the City of Greater Geelong in partnership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce.
If you’d like to read more about our 2024 events, check out the below.
Established In 2010
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 training, engaging presentations and networking opportunities – supporting community members through every stage in the small business journey.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM said supporting the success of local businesses was imperative to the region’s long-term prosperity. “Small businesses are at the heart of our economy and our community,” Mayor Kontelj said.
“They are vital to achieving our vision for a clever and creative future for the Greater Geelong region, and Council is committed to helping local businesses not only get started but to grow and thrive as well.”
Jeremy Crawford
CEO
Geelong Chamber of Commerce
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 training, engaging presentations and networking opportunities – supporting community members through every stage in the small business journey.
“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.
“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
TOPICS TO EXPECT
Event topics may range from social media marketing, leadership, utilising artificial intelligence (AI), workplace culture, sustainability, retaining staff and everything in between.
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