01 Aug 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) Six events for small businesses will be held in Benalla as part of the North East Small Business Festival 2018 from August 1 to 31. The festival provides free and low-cost events to prospective and current business owners and creates networking opportunities within the local business environment. The Victorian Government has provided funding of $15 000 towards this years festival, which will also include events in Alpine Shire, Indigo Shire, Mansfield Shire, Towong Shire, the Rural City of Wangaratta and the City of Wodonga. Benalla Rural City Mayor Don Firth said the festival offered an invaluable program of events, workshops and networking opportunities for prospective, new and experienced business operators. Small businesses are the backbone of commercial enterprise in Benalla Rural City, Cr Firth said. We have more than 1500 small businesses. I encourage every small business owner or manager to take the time to sign up for one of the events. The council is proud to be involved in the program, which will help provide local business people with the skills to increase their productivity. Benalla events include: Tap into Cultural Tourism, free, 10 am to 12 pm Wednesday, August 1, and Thursday, August 9. Benalla Community Energy Forum, free, 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm, Friday, August 3. Record Keeping for Small Business, free, 1 pm to 4 pm, Tuesday, August 7. My big idea Turning Passion into Potential, free, 10 am to 2 pm, Thursday, August 16. Small Business Bus Benalla, free, 10 am to 4 pm, Wednesday, August 29. The Future of Retail In Conversation with Birdsnest Founder Jane Cay, $10, 6 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday, August 29. Visit festival.business.vic.gov.au/north-eastvictoria to view all events across our region. Bookings are essential for all events. Visit benalla.vic.gov.au or facebook.com/SupportBenallaBusiness/events to book.