And for the first time, the festival will be run by Business Enterprise Bendigo, in partnership with the state government.

CEO of Be.Bendigo Dennis Bice has been excited to see business small and large jump on board for the festival.

Read more: Bendigo’s 2018 Business Excellence Awards

“What’s really pleased me is the willingness of local businesses to host events, obviously with a mix of major business,” Mr Bice said.

“I’m quite excited about it because it’s got good variety, it’s got variety in content, it’s got variety in presenters.”

Large and small businesses will be running events, including Australia Post and a range of local companies.

Twenty-four events will run in Bendigo from August 1 to August 31. The festival is part of the Victorian Small Business Festival.

In pulling together the program, Be.Bendigo has aimed to promote the development of business within the Greater Bendigo area.

This means providing education, support and creating opportunities. 

Emerging technologies, and how they affect small business, as well as tapping into international markets will be two key focuses at during the festival.

It’s not just tech talk though.

Also on the list are workshops such as ‘Ladies with Tradies’, ‘Operating a Mobile Food Business’ and ‘Build Like a Boss: How to Be an Industry Leader’.

Mr Bice urged everyone in Bendigo – business person or not – to check out an event at the Small Business Festival.

“We want to try and encourage as many people to go to these sessions as they can,” he said.

“It’s not only for existing businesses, but there may be people out there who are thinking about starting a business.”