EDITORIAL: Support Small Business Day needs Bendigo community backing

The Bendigo Advertiser will publish a series of stories on local businesses to raise awareness of Support Small Business Day on October 4.

BIG Hill's Brigitte Moore has painted the faces of hundreds of children. 

Bookings for markets, festivals and community events come in at a rapid and constant pace - there is no time for breaks - that is the nature of small business. 

But Ms Moore, a face and body artist, said she loves what she does and couldn't imagine it any other way. 

"Doing the children's faces is really rewarding. Seeing the smiles on their faces is a great feeling," she said. 

"And being included in really important celebrations for families and being welcomed into their homes - I am really lucky in that sense."

Ms Moore started face painting while she was working at Bunnings in 2007. Art was one of her favourite subjects at school but after studying graphic design at university for six months she decided it wasn't for her.

"It was when my family friend got a job as manager at Fantastic Furniture that she asked me come in and do all the face painting but she wanted me to get an ABN," Ms Moore said. 

"I guess that is where it all started."

Ms Moore has signed up to be part of Support Small Business Day on October 4. 

She said one of the biggest challenges faced by small business owners was building a brand. 

"Trying to put money behind yourself and getting your name out there is difficult," she said.

"All my work is only through social media and word of mouth through Bendigo.

"I don't advertise and I find it really hard."

Ms Moore, who is studying education at university and working at a school, said time was another challenge she faced as a small business owner. 

"In small businesses there is so much behind the scenes that you don't get paid for," she said. 

Support Small Business Day is a state government initiative aimed at increasing the competitiveness of small businesses and recognising their valuable contribution to the community. 

Ms Moore said she would be doing free face painting Hargreaves Mall on October 4. 

"We encouraging everyone to get down there and support small business," she said. 

To register for Support Small Business Day, visit supportsmallbusinessday.vic.gov.au

For information about Ms Moore's business, visit Face and Body Art by Brigitte on Facebook.