Online posting promotes local

AN online community has created a space for Bendigo women to advertise their own small businesses in an effort to support entrepreneurs.

Every Wednesday in the Facebook group Bendigo GalPals, members are encouraged to post about their products and services and connect with potential customers.

Creator and administrator of the group, Kaitlyn Meggs Hammond, said the initiative is all about supporting local businesses.

“Wednesday is our highest viewing day, a lot of people seem to be online on Wednesdays,” she said.

“We made it on Wednesdays so everyone got the chance to see everything and hopefully get some money together for local businesses.”

From handmade homewares to beauty services or jewellery, Ms Meggs Hammond said promoting local offerings was “a big part of the Bendigo community” and could empower women.

Hannah Mildren started her custom cake baking business, CakeCrumbs and Smiles, one year ago and said members of Bendigo GalPals had recommended her products to others in the group.

“It’s such a good platform because you go on to Bendigo GalPals, ‘can anyone recommend a cake decorator? or someone to do cupcakes or cookies?’ and everyone will either tag my name or they’ll tag my business, so social media has granted ease of access for some people,” she said.

Ms Mildren said social media groups could uplift local businesses and foster a “community spirit.”

“What I truly appreciate about things like Bendigo GalPals, it’s a good way to hear the good stories,” she said.

“You get to hear the good things like a local hairdresser or a local coffee shop, and it has helped open up Bendigo for me.

“It’s a powerful tool and particularly Bendigo GalPals, they use it so well, it’s an effective and powerful tool of building women up.”