{"id":78408,"date":"2023-07-16T04:18:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-15T18:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/?p=78408"},"modified":"2023-07-16T11:12:23","modified_gmt":"2023-07-16T01:12:23","slug":"geelong-small-business-festival-program-released","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/news\/geelong-small-business-festival-program-released\/","title":{"rendered":"Geelong Small Business Festival program released"},"content":{"rendered":"

BUSINESSES large and small are invited to take part in this year’s Geelong Small Business Festival (GSBF), with the full program being released last week.<\/p>\n

The GSBF is the region’s largest dedicated business festival and has helped hundreds of local businesses and thousands of people looking to start, grow or improve their business.<\/p>\n

It will feature an exciting program of more than 70 low-cost and free events, presented in person and online, designed to connect, inspire and support the local business community throughout August.<\/p>\n

The festival will officially be launched on August 3 with a gala event at GMHBA Stadium, featuring an immersive laneway experience, a three-course dinner, and a keynote address from Cherie Clonan from The Digital Picnic.<\/p>\n

Ms Clonan is a noted digital marketing expert, entrepreneur, and advocate for neuro-diversity.<\/p>\n

On August 8, Davidsons Accountants and Business Consultants will host a session at the Royal Geelong Yacht Club titled “Unlocking the secrets to small business success”, where businesses can network and take part in an interactive workshop.<\/p>\n

Recruitment expert Lauren Hogan from Fruition Recruitment will present “Nail your next hire: learn how to cut through this candidate market”.<\/p>\n

To be held at Eastern Hub Geelong on August 16, the session will open the floodgates on innovative talent strategies to set you up for hiring success.<\/p>\n

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Bill Evans speaks at last year’s Westpac Economic Breakfast. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bill Winter and Mark Edmonds have been successful business owners and proven mentors to business owners and leaders.<\/p>\n

Their “Build a better business” workshop, also at Eastern Hub Geelong on August 16, will identify your existing position and clarify what business you are really in.<\/p>\n

Carla Egan of The Coaching Directory will present “From burnout to breakthrough: insights from the generation behind the Great Resignation”.<\/p>\n

The online session on August 18 will address the ever-growing challenge of retention in the workforce.<\/p>\n

Jump on board “The BIG Geelong CoWorking Day and Tour” on August 28, with the all-day, five session event showcasing some of the flexible work spaces across Greater Geelong.<\/p>\n

A highlight of each year’s festival is the Westpac Economic Breakfast but this year’s event on August 31 could be the last with Westpac chief economist Bill Evans.<\/p>\n

This week, the bank announced Mr Evans – who has been in the role since 1991 – would take on a new position as a senior economic advisor for Westpac in January.<\/p>\n

Week 1 GSBF events, August 1-4:<\/b><\/p>\n