Chamber partners with city for Geelong Small Business Festival

THE Geelong Chamber of Commerce and the City of Greater Geelong have announced a new partnership for this year’s Geelong Small Business Festival.

The partnership, which will see the chamber take the lead in delivering the event, was announced this morning (Wednesday, May 31) and will support the continued growth and evolution of the festival.

The Geelong Small Business Festival is the region’s largest dedicated business festival.

Now in its 13th year, the festival has become a staple in the calendar for local businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with each other, be inspired, and learn how they can grow their business.

The partnership between the chamber and city has been formed based on the shared goal of cultivating economic prosperity and a thriving business community in Geelong.

The event, which will take place throughout August, remains open to operators and entrepreneurs from all industries, and for businesses of all sizes – including sole traders and home-based businesses.

Attracting thousands of participants every year, the festival aims to provide insights, resources, and practical strategies for navigating the evolving business landscape successfully.

Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Jeremy Crawford said he was looking forward to delivering the event in collaboration with the city.

“This collaborative effort provides our business community with a diverse range of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow as both businesses and business leaders,” Mr Crawford said.

“Supporting our local small to medium businesses builds a stronger, more resilient Geelong and we firmly believe that investment into our small to medium enterprises drives economic growth and job creation.”

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the new partnership delivery model was a great result for the local business community.

“Council is committed to fostering an environment that nurtures small business, innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Geelong Small Business Festival has become one of our most valued flagship events.

“We are proud to be delivering the festival in partnership with the Geelong Chamber of Commerce in 2023, and excited to see what opportunities arise from this new approach.”

Expressions of interest will be open soon for businesses and individuals to submit their ideas for training sessions, workshops or events as part of the Geelong Small Business Festival.

For more information or to register your interest, head to gsbf.com.au