Showcasing small businesses

SMALL businesses are the backbone of any community.

The resilience and innovation that so many small businesses have shown in our region in the aftermath of Covid has been inspiring.

The City of Greater Geelong experienced the largest growth in businesses in Victoria in the twelve months to June 2023, with an additional 301 businesses taking the total to 22,090 in our region.

One of the more noticeable shifts was an increase in businesses in the 20-199 employee bracket, with 92 new businesses commencing in 2023 compared to only 11 the previous year.

So we know small businesses are choosing Greater Geelong as a place to call home more than ever, and it is encouraging to see the ongoing desire that business owners, employers and jobseekers have for our region.

Next month we get the opportunity to showcase some of these enterprises at the Geelong Small Business Festival.

This event, in its 14th year, is the largest dedicated business festival in regional Victoria, and has benefitted hundreds of businesses and nearly 30,000 business owners and community members since its inception.

This underscores our City’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, which thrives among events at the festival.

This year the festival will cover seven key themes: marketing, social media and promoting your business online; business essentials; starting a business; growing your business, sales and expanding your networks; career development, leading and managing people; health and wellbeing; sustainability, circular economy and social responsibility.

The Civic Precinct at Wurriki Nyal will be the main hub for the festival, however, there are events right across the region in places such as Torquay and along the Bellarine Peninsula.

This includes two events in Drysdale with a focus on enhancing your business through tourism, and how AI (artificial intelligence) can benefit small businesses.

With more than 50 sessions planned for the 2024 festival, attendees can expect workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities.

A launch event will be held on Thursday, August 8 from 5.30pm to 8pm at The Pier Geelong featuring local agribusiness producers showcasing regional produce.

Nadia Lee, founder and CEO of ThatsMyFace, will be the keynote speaker at this event, and will provide insights on how she built a world-first solution in identity and reputation management.

This will set the stage for an exciting two weeks, and all details for the program are available at the gbsf.com.au website.

We have seen Greater Geelong emerge from Covid in a strong position, with our population surging and our economic status as a region the envy of many.

But despite this success, it is crucial to ensure we do not rest on our laurels.

The importance of this festival and the role small businesses play in our community cannot be overstated.

Communities can only thrive if residents can secure work in their local area and pleasingly, thanks in no small way to small businesses, that is something we continue to see across Greater Geelong.

Cr Jim Mason

Bellarine Ward,

City of Greater Geelong