We’re beyond proud to share that our very own Sarah Gross, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Storyfolk, has been named one of the top four finalists for Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEA).
Celebrating Women Leading with Purpose
This recognition is about more than awards; it’s a celebration of women in leadership who lead with purpose, creativity, and strategy. Sarah has spent her career connecting dots that others often miss, showing how business can be a force for good.
At Storyfolk, Sarah works with for-purpose businesses, not-for-profits, and government organisations across the globe, supporting sectors ranging from space technology and leading research to child safety, disability advocacy, emerging tech, and health accessibility. Her leadership is defined by bold thinking, thoughtful collaboration, and turning ideas into measurable impact.
Storyfolk’s Leadership Values
Sarah embodies everything Storyfolk stands for:
- Brave; challenging conventions and tackling complex, high-stakes projects
- Strategy-led – approaching every project with foresight, insight, and measurable impact
- Purpose-driven – aligning business outcomes with social and community value
- Thoughtful – leading with empathy, precision, and integrity
- Creative partners – collaborating deeply with clients to transform ideas into strategy-led storytelling
Sarah on Her Recognition
“To be in the top four in such a competitive category, alongside incredible business leaders and entrepreneurs from every sector, is truly humbling. I’m both chuffed and still a little in disbelief.
I feel so lucky to work with extraordinary businesses and leaders every day. Often, I leave meetings feeling re-energised. Our clients are doing remarkable things, and we get to help them tell their stories, shape how the world sees them, and make a real-world impact.
Storyfolk started with a simple belief: business can be a force for good. Purpose drives profit. Profit fuels purpose. This ethos has allowed us to partner with clients around the world, create work we’re proud of, and make an impact that truly matters.
I also want to acknowledge three extraordinary women who made this possible:
- My wife, Elise, who backs every wild idea and late night. Your support means everything.
- My mum, whose belief that one voice can create change has shaped the way I navigate life and business… thank you.
- And my business partner and co-pilot of Storyfolk, Cass Mackenzie, the yin to my yang in friendship and in business. Storyfolk is what it is because of us. I’m incredibly proud of you, of us, and I’m so excited for what’s next.”
Geelong, Bellarine & Surf Coast: A Thriving Business Region
The Geelong, Bellarine, and Surf Coast region provides the perfect backdrop for this kind of leadership. With 27,000 businesses and growing, Geelong ranks 7th in Victoria for business growth. The region’s Gross Regional Product (GRP) has reached $19.6 billion, growing at 5.4% annually.
People are moving from Melbourne and beyond, drawn by the coastal lifestyle, world-class wineries on the Bellarine Peninsula, and the amazing Surf Coast waves. For business leaders and businesses in the region, there has never been a more exciting time to be here.
A Win for Storyfolk and Women in Leadership
Sarah’s recognition is more than a personal achievement; it’s a win for everyone at Storyfolk. It celebrates women taking their seats at the table, leading with strategy and purpose, and inspiring the next generation. It proves that leading with your values can shatter any glass ceiling. We couldn’t be prouder of Sarah. Watch this space, 2026 is shaping up to be very exciting.
