Melbourne Business Networking Event Highlights Bangladeshi Entrepreneurs’ Journeys

OTN Bangla, Melbourne: A new acquaintance can lead to a new customer, a conversation can open the door to a business partnership, and advice from an experienced professional can inspire a new venture. The importance of these connections was at the heart of the VBCF Business Networking Event 2026, held in Melbourne.

Organised by the Victorian Bangladeshi Community Foundation (VBCF), the event took place at Holiday Inn Werribee on Monday, 19 October 2026. Guided by the theme “Connect. Collaborate. Grow Together,” it aimed to strengthen connections and encourage cooperation among Bangladeshi business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals.

Finding reliable suppliers, entering new markets, accessing sound advice and meeting potential partners are important steps in building a business abroad. VBCF sought to create a space where participants could exchange experiences and explore new business opportunities.

The event focused on building relationships across industries, encouraging referrals and exploring partnerships and joint ventures. It also aimed to raise awareness of products and services offered by Bangladeshi-owned businesses and connect emerging entrepreneurs with experienced business owners and advisers.

A significant part of VBCF’s broader plans is the proposed Australian Bangladeshi Business Directory. According to the organisers, the directory is intended to bring information about Bangladeshi-owned businesses and professionals together on a central platform. It would offer opportunities for verified business listings, helping participating enterprises increase their visibility and connect with potential customers and collaborators.

Through the directory, VBCF hopes to make it easier to find businesses and professional services, identify suppliers and partners, and explore collaboration and investment opportunities. Connecting new entrepreneurs with experienced professionals and mentors is another key objective.

The event was open to small business owners, representatives of established companies, new entrepreneurs, experienced executives, investors and young professionals. Community members interested in supporting Bangladeshi-owned businesses were also invited to participate.

Speaking to OTN Bangla during the event, members of the organising committee described the initiative as a new milestone for Australia’s Bangladeshi community. They expressed hope that mutual support, shared experience and closer cooperation would create further opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses and entrepreneurs.

In his presidential address, VBCF President Iqbal Hossain outlined the organisation’s goals and future plans. He called for active participation and support to help turn those plans into practical outcomes.

Wyndham City Council Deputy Mayor Jasmine Hill attended as a special guest.

Wyndham City Council Deputy Mayor Jasmine Hill attended as a special guest. Photo: OTN Bangla

A panel discussion brought entrepreneurs’ business journeys into focus. Speakers shared how they had started their ventures, the challenges they had encountered and the lessons they had learned along the way.

The panellists included Kamrul Hossain Chowdhury OAM, philanthropist, community leader and Managing Director of PNS Graphics Australia; Mo Kamrul Hasan, finance and mortgage professional and Operations Manager at Clear Path Financial Group; and Nusrat Islam Borsha, community leader, engineer and Director of the family-owned business Rustic Flame.

The discussion was moderated by Imran Abul Kashem, personal branding expert, founder of Westend Group and host of the My Migrant Soul podcast.

VBCF sees the event as the beginning of a broader, ongoing initiative. Through VBCF Business Connect, the organisation plans to develop workshops, seminars, business exhibitions and mentoring activities alongside future networking events.

Caption: Entrepreneurs and professionals share their business journeys during the panel discussion at the VBCF Business Networking Event 2026 in Werribee, Melbourne.