The annual festival has a strong focus on developing the city as an epicentre for fashion retail in the region. 

However, Bendigo Fashion Festival sponsorship and media director Sue Opie said the event was still in need of a naming rights sponsor, and silver and bronze sponsors. 

"The fashion festival is about promoting local retail business and encouraging people to shop locally," she said.

"Over the years the event has grown bigger.

"In the future we hope to use it as a way to attract people to the region."

Now in its eighth year, the festival is held between September 27 and October 17 and consists of four major events, including the launch, a millinery master class, a fashion high tea and fashion parade. 

Sponsors will share in a $30,000 sponsorship deal with the Bendigo Advertiser and Southern Cross Austereo. 

Ms Opie said without sponsors the festival would not be able to offer scholarships to young people looking to kick start their careers in the fashion industry. 

"We want to give back to the community by offering a scholarship to young people who have a desire to work in the fashion industry," she said. 

"Without sponsors we won't be able to do this and the festival will become less accessible for people to attend."

Ms Opie said there were plans to make the festival run through the entire year. 

"We want to make this a 12 month festival," she said.

"That's why we changed the name from Bendigo Fashion Week to Bendigo Fashion Festival."

Businesses wanting to sponsor the festival should call 5434 4469. 

For more information about the festival visit, www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/Bendigo_Fashion_Festival