op 10 Growing Industries in Bendigo for 2025
Looking to invest in Bendigo? Or perhaps you're seeking new career opportunities or ideas to grow your local business? Bendigo’s economy is on a steep upward trajectory, with several industries showing significant promise for 2025. From healthcare and agriculture to creative industries and technology, Bendigo is shaping up to be a hotspot for growth and innovation.
This article dives into the top 10 growing industries in Bendigo for 2025, sharing insights for investors, job seekers, and business owners who want to align themselves with the city’s booming sectors.
How We Identified the Fastest-Growing Industries
To determine the 10 industries most likely to thrive in Bendigo’s economy, we consulted market research reports, employment data, and industry growth projections. Factors like rising demand, economic forecasts, and community trends were all taken into account to ensure these insights offer real value.
Whatever your goals—whether it's to invest in Bendigo, find your next role, or expand your business—you’ll find actionable opportunities here.
1. Healthcare
Why Healthcare is Booming
Healthcare tops the list as one of the fastest-growing industries in Bendigo, driven primarily by an ageing population and increased demand for medical services. Bendigo Health, one of the region's largest employers, is expanding its offerings, creating opportunities in clinical care, aged care, mental health services, and allied health.
Opportunities in Healthcare
- For Job Seekers: High demand for nurses, aged care professionals, and allied health workers.
- For Investors: Opportunities in medical equipment manufacturing, private healthcare facilities, and aged care housing projects.
- For Local Businesses: Collaboration with healthcare providers to cater to staff or patient needs, such as hospitality or cleaning services.
Did you know? Bendigo Health received $110 million in government funding recently to upgrade its facilities and expand services.
2. Renewable Energy
Driving Growth in Renewables
Bendigo is leading the way towards a sustainable future. With regional Victoria’s focus on renewable energy projects like solar farms and wind farms, the renewable energy sector is exploding. Programs encouraging homeowners and businesses to shift to solar energy are driving both innovation and demand.
Opportunities in Renewable Energy
- For Job Seekers: Roles in solar installation, engineering, and project management are expected to rise.
- For Investors: Long-term returns on renewable infrastructure projects such as community wind farms.
- For Local Businesses: Offer related services, such as e-waste recycling or sustainable product manufacturing.
3. Technology
Building a Smarter Future
The tech industry is thriving in Bendigo, with startups and tech-focused small businesses creating innovative solutions in software, app development, and IT services. A growing gig-working population also means local demand for tech support is at an all-time high.
Opportunities in Technology
- For Job Seekers: Rising demand for software developers, IT support specialists, and cybersecurity professionals.
- For Investors: Venture capital opportunities in tech startups emerging from the region’s innovation hubs.
- For Local Businesses: Partner with tech firms for streamlined digital solutions or app integration.
4. Tourism
Strengthening Tourism in Bendigo
Bendigo has long been a cultural and historical hub, and as travel picks up post-pandemic, tourism is flourishing. With its art galleries, heritage sites, and wine regions, Bendigo’s tourism appeal continues to grow—not to mention its numerous events and festivals that attract thousands each year.
Opportunities in Tourism
- For Job Seekers: Hospitality roles, tour guides, and event coordination.
- For Investors: Opportunities in luxury accommodation, ecotourism ventures, and travel tech platforms.
- For Local Businesses: Provide services for visitors, such as bespoke tours or local produce stores.
5. Education
Educating the Future
The construction of new schools and tertiary facilities demonstrates Bendigo’s commitment to education. Institutions like La Trobe University Bendigo are expanding, drawing students from across the region.
Opportunities in Education
- For Job Seekers: Roles for teachers, administrative staff, and researchers.
- For Investors: Opportunities in private education institutions or student accommodations.
- For Local Businesses: Provide student-focused services, like bookstores or cafes near campuses.
6. Construction
Demand for Urban Development
To cater to the city’s growing population, residential and commercial construction projects in Bendigo are rapidly increasing. New housing developments, infrastructure upgrades, and the need for sustainable design are pushing the industry forward.
Opportunities in Construction
- For Job Seekers: Trades such as carpentry, project management, and civil engineering are in high demand.
- For Investors: Potential in urban redevelopment projects or modular housing ventures.
7. Agriculture
Revitalising Regional Pride
Agriculture remains a pillar of the Bendigo economy, with innovative practices revitalising traditional farming. Investments in precision farming technologies are increasing productivity and sustainability across the industry.
Opportunities in Agriculture
- For Job Seekers: Positions in precision agriculture, agronomy, and farm management.
- For Investors: Smart farming technologies and eco-focused rural startups.
- For Local Businesses: Supporting local producers with value-added services.
8. Retail
Shopping Local
The retail sector in Bendigo is thriving, with local businesses and regional shopping centres growing to meet increased resident and tourist demand. Specialty retail continues to carve a niche, including food, fashion, and artisanal wares.
Opportunities in Retail
- For Job Seekers: Growing need for retail staff, store managers, and customer service professionals.
- For Investors: Opportunities in high-traffic retail spaces or regional e-commerce platforms.
9. Manufacturing
Innovating with Manufacturing
Thanks to advancements in technology and demand for localised production, Bendigo is seeing significant growth in manufacturing. Aerospace components, agri-food, and clean technologies are among the key sectors leading this transformation.
Opportunities in Manufacturing
- For Job Seekers: Skilled labourers, mechanical engineers, and supply chain coordinators.
- For Investors: High-tech manufacturing facilities and export-focused ventures.
10. Creative Industries
Fostering Creativity
Bendigo has quietly established itself as a hub for creative industries. From graphic design studios to film production, creativity is at the heart of Bendigo's economy. The UNESCO City of Gastronomy recognition has also given a boost to culinary arts and food craftsmanship.
Opportunities in Creative Industries
- For Job Seekers: Artists, content creators, and marketers are in high demand.
- For Investors: Funding community art spaces or relevant startups could yield long-term cultural and financial rewards.
Seize the Opportunity in Bendigo
Bendigo’s growing economy offers a wealth of opportunities for investors, job seekers, and local entrepreneurs. Its thriving industries, from healthcare to creative arts, signal a prosperous future for the city.
Are you ready to align yourself with Bendigo's growth? Whether you’re looking to invest, find your next career opportunity, or partner with local businesses, the economic momentum is on your side.
Start making meaningful connections within Bendigo’s booming industries today!