Small business owners in East Gippsland are encouraged to register now for a series of free, practical workshops coming to Orbost and Mallacoota this May.
Delivered by Australian Business Volunteers (ABV), these tailored workshops will offer local business owners hands-on support, practical tools, and expert advice to help their businesses grow and adapt in an ever-changing environment.
Held over two evenings in each town, the workshops feature four targeted, two-hour sessions covering key business areas such as planning for growth, attracting customers, improving operations, and financial management. Each evening also includes a shared dinner and speed networking session—offering the perfect mix of learning and local connection. Participants are welcome to attend one, some or all of the workshops, depending on their interests and availability.
Orbost workshops are being delivered in partnership with The Future of Orbost and District, while the Mallacoota sessions are presented alongside The Wilderness Collective.
The sessions will be facilitated by Geoff Hodgens, Principal Consultant at Geoff Hodgens & Associates. Geoff brings decades of experience advising small and medium-sized businesses across Australia, having helped more than 110 businesses as part of the federal government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme. Known for his straight-talking, practical approach, Geoff combines deep financial and operational knowledge with a genuine understanding of the pressures facing regional business owners.
“These workshops are designed for real business owners with real challenges,” said Liz Mackinlay, CEO of Australian Business Volunteers. “They’re practical, no-nonsense sessions that give people useful skills and tools they can apply straight away.”
Following the workshops, participants in both towns will also have the opportunity to receive ongoing one-on-one mentoring from experienced business professionals—helping to turn workshop insights into action and lasting change.
Whether you’re a sole trader, family-run business, or part of a growing team, these sessions will offer useful strategies and support, tailored to the realities of doing business in small, regional communities.
Event Details
Mallacoota: 20 – 21 May 2025 register at https://wkf.ms/3Gajy2E
Orbost: 27-28 May 2025 register at https://wkf.ms/44pLVDL
Free to attend – registrations essential. RSVP by May 12.
These events are part of ABV’s Resilient Regions program, proudly supported by the Victorian Government.
