2026 Sneak Peak
Investment is accelerating. Major projects are taking shape. Population growth is driving new demand. And the role of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce in the year ahead is clear: to back our businesses harder than ever before, create smarter pathways for growth, advocate relentlessly for better conditions, and connect our business community in more powerful ways than ever before.
In 2025 we reshaped how we support members. We invested in new systems, stronger partnerships, sharper event programming and a bolder advocacy platform, about to be released in 2026. We lifted the impact and ambition of our events and laid the groundwork for a Chamber that is more strategic, more connected and more long-term commercially focused than it has ever been.
As the year closes, here are five powerful 2026 considerations every business needs to adopt:
Clarity is a competitive advantage.
The businesses that made the strongest progress this year were the clearest on their market, their numbers and their direction. In 2026, the Chamber is delivering clearer business tools, sharper insights, benchmarking and practical decision making support for all members.
Connection is non-negotiable.
Access to the right people, partners and information now directly shapes business performance. Next year we are expanding our connection environments, collaboration opportunities, industry roundtables and high value introductions.
Leadership is about energy, not control.
The most effective leaders this year built belief, set standards and created cultures that performed under pressure. We are scaling our leadership programs, from early-management to high performing teams, leadership education and business development pathways.
Advocacy is essential for growth.
Policy, regulation, infrastructure and workforce decisions directly shape business conditions. Early in 2026, you will see strengthened policy influence, government engagement and the collective business voice for Geelong gets a giant megaphone… watch this space.
Capability development is the new growth engine.
The fastest growing businesses are investing in skills, systems, education and capability. We are expanding workshops, education programs, live insights, business health checks and practical
learning pathways – all with tangible tools and outcomes for businesses to walk away with value and real business impact.
Now to the most important part of this message. Thank you.
To every Partner, Sponsor and member who engaged in a Chamber program, supported another local business, contributed to advocacy, invested in their team, shared knowledge, took risks and kept showing up, thank you. The strength of the Geelong Chamber of Commerce is not found in platforms or programs. It is found in the ambition, resilience and leadership of this business community.
On behalf of our Board and staff, we are proud to support you.
To every non-member that purchased a ticket, showed up, expressed an interest – thank you too. We’ve made it even easier for you to engage in member benefits and reap the business rewards – just reach out to us.
As you move into the Christmas break, I hope you find time to pause, reflect and recharge. The year ahead holds enormous opportunity and we look forward to building it with you.
Merry Christmas and a strong, successful start to 2026.
Jeremy Crawford
Chief Executive Officer
Geelong Chamber of Commerce
