Could your business be ready for international markets?
Many regional businesses have products, services or expertise with export potential, but are unsure where to start, what support is available, or whether exporting is the right fit for them.
Join the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Global Victoria, Austrade and industry representatives for an informative session that will provide practical guidance, real-world insights and valuable connections to support your export journey.
Why should you attend?
Whether you are exploring the idea for the first time or already preparing to export, you'll leave with practical insights and a clearer sense of the pathway ahead.
By attending the session, you will gain:
- a clear understanding of how export markets work, what exporting would involve for your business, and whether international growth is a realistic opportunity for you
- insights from Geelong businesses that have successfully entered overseas markets, including the lessons they learned along the way
- direct access to trade specialists from Global Victoria and Austrade, and an overview of the programs, trade missions and market intelligence available to support you
- the confidence to take a considered next step, whether that means further research or beginning to prepare in earnest
About the presenters
Brian Kearns
Senior Trade Manager Food and Fibre Exports, Global Victoria. TradeStart Advisor - Grampians Region
Brian manages the TradeStart network in Victoria, which includes four other colleagues delivering Global Victoria’s and Austrade's services in regional Victoria.
As an agricultural scientist and economist, Brian has previously held positions in field crops extension, farm management economics and market development. He is strongly connected to the grains industry and also has good knowledge of other food and beverage industries in the state, as well as Middle East and India markets.
Located in Horsham, Brian works across the Grampians region and regularly visits other regions to support the TradeStart network.
Shank Somers
Trade Manager Food and Fibre Exports, Global Victoria. TradeStart Advisor - Barwon South West Region
Shank has worked with SMEs throughout his professional career, commencing within the banking and finance sector to support businesses grow, acquire new machinery, improve cash flow and strategically expand to meet customer needs.
After completing close to 10 years in the private sector, Shank pivoted to working with SMEs in the Victorian State Government, supporting with regional growth opportunities, investment and trade facilitation initiatives, skills development and assisting primary producers with improving on-farm practices.
Through Global Victoria and Austrade, Shank can support SMEs with guidance on market selection, research and planning, introductions to subject matter experts and buyers, and access to a range of learning and development tools to support export success.
Mark Coleman
Director at ICAL International Customs And Logistics
Mark Coleman is a Director of ICAL International Customs and Logistics (ICAL), an international freight forwarding and customs brokerage firm based at Melbourne Airport with offices across Australia.
Mark also runs a successful lecturing business, working for government departments, Chamber of Commerce, multi-nationals and private companies. In 2025, he was awarded "City of Hume Business Leader of the Year" for services given to the freight forwarding industry and the City of Hume community.
With over 30 years in international trade, he is also an expert speaker for the Australian government's Go Global Export Academy.
The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion and Q&A with all our speakers and networking opportunities to connect with peers, experts, and industry leaders.
