Mildura's HHO Events and owner Helen Healy are one of 16 small businesses from provincial Victoria to be featured in the Small Business Regional Heroes photographic exhibition opening in Bendigo next week.

Each year, Small Business Victoria coordinates and presents Energise Enterprise - Victoria's Small Business Festival. This annual small business month consists of more than 400 events providing inspiration, ideas and information to start or grow a business.

A regular highlight is a photographic exhibition, Small Business Heroes. This year, the theme is Regional Heroes, celebrating the inspiring people running successful businesses in provincial Victoria.

The HHO Events group enjoy managing a wide range of challenging and diverse projects and owner Helen Healy is delighted by the accolade. “ This is a team effort, my staff Erin Hoye, Kara Smith and Rachel Kendrigan along with our consultants and part timers make this happen. I couldn't imagine working with a better team as so much goes on behind the scenes, and this award acknowledges professionalism and dedication from a passionate team. We are motivated by our inspiring clients and proud to be identified as Regional Heros”!

Minister for Regional and Rural Development Ms Jacinta Allan said the Small Business Regional Heroes photo exhibition recognises and celebrates the significant contribution regional small business makes to all Victorians.

"The 16 businesses selected to be part of this year's Small Business Regional Heroes exhibition are great local success stories and serve as positive business role models for our regional and rural communities," said Ms Allan.

"The exhibition showcases successful small business people who have discovered the many lifestyle and business benefits on offer in Provincial Victoria."

The Small Business Regional Heroes Photographic Exhibition runs until next Monday at the Bendigo Centre before moving to The Atrium, Federation Square, Melbourne.

For more information on the Small Business Regional Heroes photographic exhibition or Energise Enterprise, visit www.business.vic.gov.au/energise or call 13 22 15