September has finally sprung, and the football and netball finals are in full swing – best of luck to our local football and netball teams competing for respective league titles and bragging rights!
September is the ideal time for all of us to shake off the winter blues and do a business reset in preparation for the new seasons ahead. A deep spring clean is a multi-layered process reflecting on how our individual businesses present to prospective clients on all fronts.
First impressions are lasting, from the cleanliness of our shop fronts and merchandise to the engagement of our teams, every component combines to create a warm and welcoming environment.
No matter the industry sector, Spring and Summer present great opportunities to grow your business and what better way than connecting with fellow businesses through the Greater Shepparton Business Network.
Stephen Schneider
GSBN President
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has participated in the 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards so far. This year has been truly remarkable, with a record-breaking 467 nominations received – a huge leap from last year’s 360!
For the first time, we also trialed separate self-nomination forms, which proved to be a great success, and we’re proud to be presenting more finalists than ever before. With only one finalist presentation left, the excitement continues to build.
Our attention now turns to ensuring each of our finalists have the opportunity to meet with our judging panel for their finalist interviews!
This year’s winners will be revealed live on stage at the Gala Dinner. This event is always a sell-out, and with tickets already selling fast, we encourage you to secure yours soon to avoid missing out.
Returning as Master of Ceremonies is the ever-popular Col Cameron, who will guide guests through an evening that champions achievement, celebrates success, and honours the collective strength of our vibrant business community. Each ticket includes a gourmet three-course dinner curated by The Woolshed at Emerald Bank accompanied by beer, wine, and soft drink. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by vocal chameleon Paul Lines, and an exceptional evening of celebration and connection.
📅 Date: Friday 24 October 2025
📍 Location: Riverlinks Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street, Shepparton
🎟 Book Tickets: Via the link below
GSBN Members – don’t forget to use your exclusive discount codes, which have been sent directly to your inbox. If you haven’t received yours, please contact the GSBN Admin Team at admin@gsbn.net.au
On Wednesday 3 September, GSBN was proud to deliver our first Business Breakfast Networking Event, hosted by valued Platinum Member, FOOTT. The morning was a fantastic success, bringing together business leaders, professionals, and community members to connect, learn, and experience something new.
Guests were warmly welcomed with a vibrant atmosphere, complete with Calvary Coffee in attendance for morning coffees and an impressive spread of breakfast foods to enjoy while networking. The event was designed to foster meaningful conversations in a relaxed and engaged setting, allowing attendees to strengthen existing relationships and build new connections.
A highlight of the morning was the guided tours of FOOTT’s facilities, which provided valuable insights into the operations of one of our region’s most innovative and sustainable businesses. Four tours were conducted throughout the morning, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at FOOTT’s processes and their commitment to excellence.
The feedback received on this new style of networking was overwhelmingly positive. The combination of an early morning format, shared food and coffee, and the opportunity to experience a local business firsthand created a refreshing and dynamic event experience.
We sincerely thank FOOTT for their generous hospitality and for hosting such an engaging and memorable morning. We also extend our gratitude to all attendees who joined us to make this event a success.
Stay tuned for future Business Breakfast Networking Events – this is just the beginning of an exciting new addition to GSBN’s networking calendar!
For the full photo gallery, head to the GSBN Facebook page to relive the morning and tag your business.
Becoming a member of the Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN) is one of the most powerful steps you can take to elevate your business. Membership gives you direct access to exclusive opportunities, high-level networking, tailored business support, and the chance to position your business at the forefront of Greater Shepparton’s thriving business community.
Our members gain access to:
– Exclusive Events & Networking: Priority access to high-profile events, including the Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards, Business Breakfasts, After 5 Networking Events, and member-only gatherings designed to connect you with industry leaders and business professionals.
– Visibility & Recognition: Opportunities to showcase your business through event hosting (for Silver members and above) and promotional features across GSBN platforms.
– Advocacy & Support: Be part of a united business voice that works with local and state stakeholders and government to shape a stronger economic future for Greater Shepparton.
– VCCI Benefits: Through our partnership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), members gain access to state-wide advocacy, business resources, and professional development opportunities and training courses. Higher-level members, such as Platinum Members, also enjoy additional tools that strengthen their influence both locally and across Victoria.
By joining GSBN, you’re not just investing in your business – you’re investing in the success of the region. Together, we celebrate achievements, tackle challenges, and create an environment where local businesses can thrive.
nbn are excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Innovate with nbn Grants Program are now open!
Delivered in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, the program is celebrating its sixth year of supporting regional businesses that are using the nbn network to drive innovation, improve productivity, and deliver meaningful social outcomes in their communities.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, this is a chance to be recognised and rewarded! With prize money available across multiple categories, it’s time to showcase your impact.
Aligned to the nbn purpose to elevate Australia by connecting people and powering progress, this year’s program features seven categories, including a new Sport & Recreation category and a combined Arts & Tourism category. Each category winner will receive $15,000, with an additional $20,000 awarded to the overall winner.
Categories include: Agriculture, Arts & Tourism, Education, Health, Indigenous Business, Sport & Recreation (new), Women in Regional Business.
The closing date for applications is midnight Sunday 12 October 2025.
If you or someone you know is helping to shape the future of regional Australia through innovation and connectivity, nbn encourage you to apply, or share with someone who should!
Victoria’s business landscape is changing rapidly – and the voices of business leaders across the state are more important than ever. The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling on business owners and professionals to share their insights into the 2025 Business Pulse Survey.
This short survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and plays a vital role in shaping the future of Victorian business. By contributing your views, you’ll help VCCI better understand the challenges, opportunities, and priorities facing businesses in our region and beyond. These valuable insights directly inform VCCI’s advocacy, services, and tools, ensuring they remain practical, timely, and aligned with the real needs of members.
At a time of economic uncertainty, your feedback is more important than ever in guiding the policies and support that will help Victorian businesses thrive.
As a thank you, participants who complete the survey before Sunday 14 September 2025 will go in the draw to win 1 of 5 Microsoft Surface 7 Laptops, each valued at $2,800 – generously provided by mySMB.com and Microsoft (T&Cs apply).
Wondering how your business can start using AI in practical, meaningful ways? The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is running Learning to Ride the AI Bike – two online sessions (12:30PM and 6:00PM) on Wednesday 17 September. These webinars are perfect for businesses who are curious about AI but aren’t sure where to begin. The sessions promise no jargon and no fluff – just straightforward ideas and real-world examples to help you see where AI can fit into your day-to-day.
Please note – if you’re a GSBN Member, you are also a VCCI Member, therefore these sessions are free to participate in!
Greater Shepparton City Council offer a range of Grants and Funding opportunities each year to local residents, businesses, and community groups.
To view available funding, click here.
We would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the following new local businesses to join the Greater Shepparton Business Network this last month.
Additionally, we would like to extend our gratitude to the many businesses that have renewed their memberships with us.
Platinum Members
General Members
Active Spine Centre
Asuria
Central Tyre Service
Industrial World Shepparton
L’Barza Apartments
Link Building Systems
Murray’s Commercial Cleaning Solutions
nbn Local
Next Tech Group
Shepparton Art Museum
The Personnel Group
Total Tools Shepparton
Please visit our website at www.gsbn.net.au to learn more about: Membership, Events, Training and the 2025 Greater Shepparton SPC Business Excellence Awards.
We have a range of membership options to suit your business, and our events provide networking opportunities for you and your business.
A membership can be obtained for as little as $363.00 per year, join us today!
