After two years of lobbying by regional councils to the State Government, small business festival organisers have broadened their scope of events.

For the first time there will be an event held in the Ararat Rural City.

Mayor, Cr Paul Hooper said the Small Business Festival is held throughout August.

"It's great to see the State government extending the services beyond the Melbourne central business district," he said.

"These events are even more critical in regional and rural areas and to be holding an event within the Ararat Rural City is of great benefit to our region."

The Ararat event is 'Secret Women's Business' and will be held at the Ararat Regional Library on Tuesday August 25. Admission is free.

Secret Women's Business celebrates the important role that women play in owning, running and working in small business.

Karen Foster, Director of O2 Media will discuss her personal take on the life and family juggle while running a successful business at the same time.

Other events available to the region include 18 free web based seminars that bring the subject matter right to your computer.

Cr Hooper has urged businesses to utilise the regional services as much as possible to ensure their viability.

The free, low-cost workshops and seminars are designed for locals interested in starting, shaping and developing new or existing small business enterprises. 

The festival events cover many topics ranging from business planning, marketing and social media, to networking and financial management. 

Treasurer Tim Pallas said the Small Business Festival is an opportunity to showcase a range of networking and development events for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Celebrating its tenth year, Mr Pallas said the festival boasts the biggest program yet with more than 350 business events across the state throughout August.  

He said the festival supports the state's 525,000 small businesses that generate more than 30 per cent of Victoria's sales and output.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” he said. 

“We're committed to providing the services and support that Victorian small businesses need to grow and create jobs.

"The Small Business Festival will drive ideas and growth within the community, meaning more opportunities and more jobs.”