Geelong Small Business Festival 2025: Championing Innovation and HR Transformation

Now in its 15th year, the Geelong Small Business Festival returns from Monday 4 August to Friday 15 August 2025, bringing together local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and industry leaders for two weeks of workshops, networking and strategic learning.

As a long-time supporter and presenter, Harvest Talent Recruitment and People Solutions has proudly taken part in the festival since its inception. For Maree Herath, Founder and Director of Harvest, the festival is more than just a series of events – it’s a cornerstone of business development and community growth in the region. As quoted in the Geelong Times:

“For the Geelong small business community, the Geelong Small Business Festival is an opportunity to really immerse yourself in two weeks of significant learning on areas that span the whole business ecosystem,” Ms Herath said.

“Whether you’re just starting or have been in business for years, there is always something new that you can embed in your business today courtesy of the festival.”

The 2025 program includes sessions on business strategy, marketing, social media, AI, leadership, and the circular economy—each designed to help business owners sharpen their skills and stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

This year, Harvest will present “HR Tech Transformation: Leveraging HRIS for Streamlined Success” on Tuesday 6 August. Tailored for HR professionals, people managers, and business leaders, this session will explore how businesses—large and small—are transforming their HR processes through Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).

Participants will gain valuable insight into how organisations have implemented HR tech solutions to streamline workflows, improve employee experiences, and enable strategic decision-making. An expert panel will share practical takeaways, challenges faced, and lessons learned on their HRIS journey.

Whether you’re looking to boost efficiency or explore the future of HR tech, this is a session not to be missed.

✨ Why attend Harvest’s Geelong HR Roundtable?

  • Discover practical case studies and success stories
  • Learn how to streamline HR processes through technology
  • Gain insight into selecting and implementing the right HRIS
  • Network with other business leaders and HR professionals

Registrations are open now!

Explore the full Geelong Small Business Festival program at gsbf.com.au

 

Maree Rayner

With over twenty five years working in recruitment, Maree has significant global experience recruiting for some of APACs leading brands across Melbourne, Perth and Hong Kong.

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