Annual Business Forum Empowering Local Businesses

Published on 04 December 2024

Annual Business Forum Empowering Local Businesses

The Rural City of Wangaratta invites local business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs to the 2025 Annual Business Forum. This event is aimed at strengthening, connecting, and empowering the business community to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the coming year.

The forum will take place on Thursday 20 February 2025, from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre.

This year’s forum features Michael Licenblat as the keynote speaker. A resilience expert with over 20 years of experience, Michael is renowned for his innovative methods to help individuals and organisations thrive under pressure. Drawing on his background in psychology, Shiatsu therapy, and over 25 years of martial arts, Michael is an engaging speaker who delivers actionable strategies for overcoming setbacks, maintaining focus, and achieving sustainable success.

Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Michael learned firsthand the importance of resilience in business. His insights, which have been sought by organisations such as Toyota, Westpac, RMIT, and Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, equip professionals with the tools to bounce back from challenges and excel in competitive environments.

Last year’s event attracted business owners from a range of industries, including digital services, retail, hospitality, education, government services, real estate, finance, media, construction, professional services, creative, and funeral services.

“The enthusiastic response to last year’s Business Forum highlighted the diversity of our local business community. This year’s event will continue driving meaningful progress in our economic development, and foster connections that benefit everyone.” Stephen Swart, Director Sustainability & Culture