Bendigo coffee and chocolate fans can get sugar and caffeine fix in one go, thanks to a new local business

Stefan Dannhausen used the program to launch his own business and began supplying chocolates earlier this year to independent cinemas and service stations.

The niche confectionery known as Scho-Ka-Kola has been infused with a heavy dose of caffeine, and has been a mainstay of German sweet stores for 80 years.

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Mr Dannhausen grew up with the product in his native homeland and wanted to bring it to Australia.

"Every 100 grams has the same amount of caffeine as two cups of coffee," he said.

He enrolled in the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, provided by Bendigo training and recruitment company Asuria, to launch his business.

He sells the treats online and through small businesses including Bendigo's Lollies 2 Go store, Castlemaine IGA supermarket and APCO at Kangaroo Flat.

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He said the mentoring scheme helped him develop his business plan and bring his Dimpex Import and Wholesale business to life.

"It was nice to be in contact with other people and see what others were doing. It was a very friendly environment and a positive experience," Mr Dannhausen said.

"It definitely helped and I hope to expand to more stores."

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