The City of Greater Bendigo is holding the seminars to help encourage retailers, tradespeople and other small business operators to grow their enterprises.

The council’s manager of economic development, Brian Gould, said the free workshops were designed to assist businesses “be the best that they can be”.

“The workshops are a very practical way to assist businesses and provide important information on a range of topics related to accounting, banking, brand protection and project management,” he said.

The first workshop, titled Accounting for Businesses, will take place at 5.30pm on February 22 and focus on the important role an accountant can play in managing a business’s financial affairs.

On February 29, the second workshop – Banking for Business – will feature Mark Pittock and Tim Tremain from the Bendigo Bank discussing lending, planning, income protection and superannuation.

The third workshop – Brand Protection for Business – will be be held on March 7 and focus on the trademark registration process and creating a brand protection strategy.

The fourth and final workshop in the series – Project Management for Business – is hosted by Tim Dunlop of Regional Management Group on March 21.

Mr Gould said there will be plenty of scope at each seminar, which are each held at the Capital Theatre from 5.30pm, for attendees to ask questions of the hand-picked experts.

“Local operators should not miss this unique opportunity to strengthen their business and I encourage them to take advantage of the workshops which will help them learn some very valuable information that will help grow and strengthen their business,” he said.

The workshop series is a partnership between the City of Greater Bendigo’s economic development unit, AFS & Associates, Bendigo Bank, Ethikate and Regional Management Group.