Melbourne’s small businesses gained visibility through the Ripple Festival, a two-day event curated and produced by Mia Fileman (Σαρησταύρου) and Fi Johnston. The festival gathered hundreds of entrepreneurs, speakers, creators, and performers.
The event occurred on 12 and 13 November at Grazeland Melbourne, bringing together entrepreneurs, creators, marketers, and community members to share and explore insights. It united small and medium-sized businesses as attendees listened to stories and experiences from numerous participants.
One of the festival’s key moments was a conversation with Kon Karapanagiotidis, founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, who discussed how business can serve as a force for social justice.
Various panels addressed topics such as contemporary marketing strategy, building online communities, the future role of creativity as a competitive advantage, and the evolving leadership challenges in a burnout-prone era.
Author’s note: Ripple Festival showcased Melbourne’s vibrant small-business ecosystem and the role of community-led initiatives in driving social impact.
The Ripple Festival in Melbourne highlighted local small businesses through talks, panels, and conversations, emphasizing social impact, marketing, community building, and leadership in challenging times.
Author’s resume (summary): A concise overview of Ripple Festival’s focus on entrepreneurship, collaboration, and social responsibility within Melbourne’s business community.