The festival began on Monday 3 August 2026 with Getting Grant Ready, a practical session helping local businesses understand how to prepare stronger grant applications and identify funding opportunities.
The program continued on Tuesday 4 August 2026 with Business Support Showcase Day at The Carrington, Shepparton, bringing together a series of free sessions designed to give businesses practical tools, advice and connections in one place.
A highlight of the day was the keynote event, Tom Potter: The Eagle Boys Story and the Power of Resilience.
Tom Potter, founder of Eagle Boys Pizza, shared his story of building one of Australia’s most recognised food brands, along with lessons from his other business ventures including Galactic Donuts and Crusty Devil Bakehouse. His keynote explored business growth, resilience, leadership and what it takes to keep moving through challenge and change.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali said the strong start to the festival showed the value of creating practical opportunities for the local business community.
“It has been fantastic to see local businesses come together at the start of this year’s festival to learn, connect and grow,” he said.
“I was fortunate to attend Tom Potter’s keynote, which shared a powerful message for anyone in business: have a plan, make sure your marketing is strong and never forget your customers.”
“Tom’s story was a great reminder that business success is not always a straight line. It takes hard work, adaptability and the confidence to keep going through challenges.”
“The Greater Shepparton Business Festival is about backing our local business community, and with many free sessions still to come, I encourage businesses to explore the program and book now.”
With the festival now underway and running until Friday 21 August 2026, Council is encouraging businesses to explore the remaining program and secure their place before sessions fill.
Upcoming sessions cover a wide range of practical business topics, including AI, marketing, tax, cyber security, business automation, workforce development, leadership, multicultural employment, trade business support and business growth.
Council’s Economic Development Engagement Coordinator, Karen Mellington said it was exciting to see the festival underway after months of planning.
“It is great to see local businesses taking up the opportunities available through this year’s program,” she said.
“A lot of work has gone into shaping this year’s program around practical topics that are relevant to local businesses, so it is encouraging to see people engaging with the sessions and making the most of what is on offer.”
“We encourage businesses to explore the program and book now to avoid disappointment.”
“If business owners cannot attend themselves, they are encouraged to send a team member in their place. These sessions are a great opportunity to build skills, make connections and bring fresh ideas back into the business.”
Jason Bathman from Barbeques Galore Shepparton, who attended Tom Potter’s keynote session, said the event was timely and relevant for local businesses navigating change.
“Like many businesses, we are navigating our own challenges at the moment, particularly following changes with our parent company,” he said.
“It was valuable to hear from Tom and learn from his personal experiences. His story really resonated with us, especially around resilience, adaptability and continuing to move forward through change.”
“We also appreciated the opportunity to speak with Tom after the event and gain further insight. We are looking forward to attending more Business Festival events over the coming weeks.”
The 2026 Greater Shepparton Business Festival continues until Friday 21 August 2026.
Bookings are essential. To view the full program and book your seats, visit our Business Festival webpage.
For further information, please contact Council’s Economic Development Engagement Coordinator on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
