Geelong Small Business Festival begins

ENTREPRENEURS, start-ups, scale ups and growing businesses will benefit from the huge selection of events happening this month as part of the Geelong Small Business Festival.

The business community will be invited to hear from experts and network with other like-minded businesses at more than 50 workshops, webinars and social events happening across Geelong until August 31.

The festival offers a wide range of practical, interactive and innovative events that cover topics such as business planning, marketing, social media, networking and financial management.

The signature event was held last night, featuring Ita Buttrose speaking on the topic “Resilience – why it’s crucial for business success”.

Other key events include the “The Power of Positive Culture” and “Prioritising Local Social Impact Is Good for Business”, plus webinars from David Koch’s KBB agency and Future Proofing Geelong.

All of the Geelong Small Business Festival events are presented at low cost or free, giving business owners and entrepreneurs every opportunity to learn and network with other like-minded individuals and businesses.

“With more than 17,000 small to medium enterprises, the Geelong region is home to many inspiring entrepreneurs and business owners, pursuing their passion and innovating in essential and emerging industries,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“The Small Business Festival provides a chance for many great business minds to get together, learn from each other and encourage each other.

“As a business owner myself, I can understand how hard it can be to remove yourself from the day to day tasks and pressures of running your own business. However, this event offers a chance to take a step back, check your priorities and ensure you are working the smartest way possible.

“I encourage all local business owners and entrepreneurs to check out the program and book yourself into as many events as possible.”

The Geelong Small Business Festival is delivered by the City of Greater Geelong in partnership with Small Business Festival Victoria.

The full program is available at all City of Greater Geelong Customer Service Centres, libraries and can be viewed online at gsbf.com.au.