After 25 workshops and forums spread across 30 days, the Bendigo Small Business Festival wound up on Thursday night, saving its biggest attraction for last.

Co-host of Channel Ten’s Shark Tank Naomi Simson entertained a crowd of 130 people at the All Seasons Bendigo Conservatory with tales of real life business experiences.

Ms Simson, who founded experience gift retailer RedBalloon, shared stories of Australian business success – and not just that of her own.

City of Greater Bendigo business development manager Peter Jeffery said the Amplify your Success dinner was the perfect finale for a successful festival.

“The festival keeps getting bigger and better every year,” Mr Jeffery said.

“We don’t have the final numbers, the state government takes care of that, but about 1000 people turned out for the festival – last year it was around the 800 to 850 mark.

“(The festival) is definitely growing in stature – watch this space next year.”

This festival, which has run for 10 years, was co-ordinated for the first time this year by the council’s business development unit.

Mr Jeffery said feedback from the event organisers and business operators who took part was predominantly positive.

“It’s very encouraging to hear the content people are getting out of the sessions that will hopefully improve their businesses,” he said.

“What people are learning is content to develop their business, not develop their product.

“They already know their product, but they might not necessarily know too much about things like improving cash flow and managing debt.”

With the festival done and dusted for another year, Mr Jeffery said it was important businesses knew there was year-round help available from bodies like the business development unit and Bendigo Business Council.

A list of monthly events for small business is also advertised on the What’s On/Bendigo Tourism website.