Initiatives and Resources / Bendigo Business Stories Podcast

Bendigo Business Stories Podcast

Welcome to Bendigo Business Stories, a podcast dedicated to celebrating our business landscape, uncovering stories, strategies, and the true essence of people who shape our local business community.

Welcome to Bendigo Business Stories, a podcast dedicated to celebrating our business landscape, uncovering stories, strategies, and the true essence of people who shape our local business community.  

In the ever-evolving world of business, there’s something truly special about the stories that emerge from business owners right here in Greater Bendigo.  

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply curious about the incredible ventures happening in our region, you’ve come to the right place. 

Bendigo Business Stories is brought to you by Be.Bendigo; your local Chamber of Commerce dedicated to building a thriving ecosystem that supports and empowers local businesses to flourish. 

This podcast is just one of the many ways Be.Bendigo actively champions businesses in creating a vibrant and successful Greater Bendigo. 

Throughout our podcast journey, we will uncover the hidden gems of our Greater Bendigo business landscape. These stories are more than just success tales; they’re windows into the strategies, challenges, and the heart and soul of the individuals shaping our community. 

Bendigo Business Stories is your compass, guiding you through the diverse and inspiring tales of our local business heroes. 

SEASON #1 - MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SERIES

Welcome to our mental health and wellbeing series as part of the Bendigo Business Stories podcast, proudly produced by Be.Bendigo and supported by the Victorian Government.  

Wellbeing at work is becoming increasingly important for a new generation of post-pandemic workers. Join me, your host Kimberley Furness, as we talk to local experts, leaders, and business operators about stories of wellbeing, resilience and good business practices.  

More and more professionals, and especially micro and small business owners, often operate from the heart of their home. Their path is not without challenges. The isolation, the self-reliance, the financial struggles, and the constant juggling of work, personal, and family life – it’s a tough balancing act. 

That’s where this podcast comes in. We’re here to tell their stories and recognise what it takes to not only survive but thrive in business. 

SEASON #2 - WOMEN DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE SERIES

Welcome to Season 2 ‘Women Driving Positive Change’ as part of the Bendigo Business Stories podcast, proudly produced by Be.Bendigo and sponsored by McKern Steel. 

McKern Steel is a leading supplier of high-quality structural steel for residential projects across Victoria. Located across three venues in Bendigo, they are dedicated to keeping their business regionally based. McKern Steel are also an active player in the community through the McKern Foundation, which is focused on contributing to community projects that benefit the health and wellbeing of youth. 

This season is dedicated to celebrating women in our business community who are driving change, breaking barriers, and inspiring others with their passion and determination. 

Join me, your host Kimberley Furness, as we talk to local women. We’ll dive into their journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they’ve learned, and the successes they’ve achieved along the way. 

This season is about something more than just sharing their individual stories. It’s about recognising the invaluable contributions that women make to our community and our local economy every single day. It’s about celebrating their resilience, their creativity, and their commitment to excellence.   

Introducing our Host: Kimberley Furness from Oak Magazine

We’re thrilled to introduce Kimberley Furness, a national award-winning businesswoman, and a proud mother of four located in Bendigo as our Podcast Host.

Kimberley is no stranger to the world of business and storytelling. As an experienced content creator for both print and digital, she’s been crafting compelling narratives for years. But her journey doesn’t stop there; she’s also a social media guru, guiding regional and rural business owners toward digital success. 

Host of “A Friend of Mine” Podcast: Kimberley is the charismatic host behind “A Friend of Mine” podcast. Her talent for sparking engaging conversations and diving deep into the stories of her guests has earned her a dedicated following. 

Entrepreneur Extraordinaire In 2014: Kimberley launched her first business, Write Style Communications, as a way to share her extensive marketing knowledge and social media expertise with fellow entrepreneurs. She’s all about making sense of the digital landscape and helping businesses thrive. 

Creator of OAK Magazine In 2017: Kimberley unveiled OAK Magazine, a remarkable achievement that came to life in just six weeks! Inspired by her love of print magazines, her journalistic background, and her desire to uplift unheard voices, OAK Magazine became a platform to celebrate women in business. 

Shaping the Narrative: Kimberley’s work isn’t just about storytelling; it’s about rewriting the script. She’s dedicated to highlighting the stories of rural and regional women who are running their own businesses, reshaping perceptions, and showing the world what’s possible. 

Empowering Women in Business: Kimberley challenged the status quo by addressing the underrepresentation of women in the media, particularly those in rural Australia. Her mission is clear: visibility is a powerful tool for inspiring women to chase their dreams without fear. 

Get ready to be inspired as Kimberley leads the way on our Bendigo Business Stories podcast!

Bendigo Business Stories podcast produced by Be.Bendigo acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and community.

We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to the Elders past, present and emerging.  

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