Festival celebrates 30,000th attendee

THE Geelong Small Business Festival has celebrated the 30,000th person to attend the annual business event by presenting them with a special Golden Ticket.

Geelong resident Christopher Bogacki reached the milestone by buying a ticket to Video Vault’s “Unleashing Reels, YouTube Shorts and TikTok for Social Media Success” workshop, held at Wurriki Nyal last week.

For being the 30,000 ticketholder, Mr Bogacki received a Golden Ticket, which will allow him to attend any of the remaining Geelong Small Business Festival events for free.

He also received a three-month membership at any of the City of Greater Geelong’s Swim Sport & Leisure venues, a double pass to The Carousel, a double pit pass to the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival, and the opportunity for him and four friends to tour the Meredith Dairy farm.

Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan said the Geelong Small Business Festival remained a calendar highlight for Geelong people.

“We’re thrilled to have our 30,000th community member attend the Geelong Small Business Festival.”

Since its inception in 2010, more than 630 free and low-cost workshops, presentations and networking opportunities have been run as part of the Geelong Small Business Festival.

Geelong deputy mayor Anthony Aitken said the festival was one of the region’s largest.

“Over the past 14 years, the festival has been a catalyst for change, empowering thousands of local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to start, grow, and enhance their business.

“Take the next step in business and attend a workshop, presentation or networking opportunity that could make a big difference in your journey.”