Here is the perfect chance to meet Humans in Geelong and check out all the amazing things that are going on at the Pivot City Innovation District. We hear from vibrant, bubbly Samantha Kragina, “The Pivot City Geelong Business Expo is my favourite event. It’s Saturday 28th of July, free entry, 10 – 4pm at the Federal Mills North Geelong.
“We have over 100 businesses exhibiting and are the opening for the City of Greater Geelong Small Business Festival, which runs throughout August. We have a Food & Wine Enclosure with the likes of Mt Duneed Estate, Terindah Estate, Provenance Wines, Boutique Event Co Cocktails, Mexican Republic food, burgers from The Inn Hotel & more, and are giving away 50 bottles of French Champagne thanks to Denny’s Restaurant.
“There will be networking lounges, a wellness arena and the genU Fashion Show called ‘Modelling Diversity’ at 2pm, where you will see local designers and boutiques hitting the runway with the most amazing models including indigenous models, models with disabilities, all ages and sizes. The fantastic students from The Gordon will be doing hair & makeup. We have the Bay 93.9 street team who will be crossing live on the day, along with a special appearance from their Mascot Alex the Seal.
“The event is to showcase local Geelong Businesses and connect them with each other and the community. There is a real buzz in the room of networking and creating new relationships. We have a very specific goal in encouraging collaboration, co-opetition and community support. We would love to see as many people from the Geelong region come on out, connect, maybe have a glass of wine, watch a beautiful fashion show and support the local businesses. Entry is FREE with a voluntary gold coin to Vinnie’s to support local poverty & homelessness in Geelong.
“I own and have invested into a number of businesses but am most recognized for my work in Geelong Women in Business. I started my first business at 17 and have been on both sides of the fence, in corporate and small business. I also mentor at SPARK Deakin and work with University of Tasmania Student Ambassadors (UTAS) in ambassadorship of Women in Technology.
“Geelong has a very healthy eco-system of small business which is something we shouldn’t take for granted. It’s imperative that we support small businesses in our community so they thrive.
“Geelong is home. Geelong is resilient and has a strong sense of community – when the people come first, extraordinary things happen. We have everything of a big city, with heart and warmth. There are over 5,600 small businesses in the Geelong region with 1-4 employee & almost 2,000 with 5-19 employees.
“At the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, I felt that I was just surviving, and when you’re surviving; you don’t dare to dream… my motivation comes from the desire to empower, educate and inspire, to enable others to dream. It not only changes their life but can change the world.”
Story and photo: Brandon Dellow
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