[PRESS RELEASE] Rural ventures take centre stage at inaugural Invest Rural forum in Bathurst
Announcement posted by Writers Who 22 Oct 2025
Bathurst, NSW - The Central West will host Invest Rural, a groundbreaking one-day forum designed to demystify funding pathways and connect rural businesses with investors and funders, on Thursday 13 November 2025 at Reckless Brewing, Bathurst.
Led by passionate ecosystem champions and supported by major sponsors including Investment NSW, Westpac and The Connection Table, Invest Rural aims to fast-track investment readiness and build trusted relationships between rurally-based founders, funders and ecosystem leaders.
"There are exceptional businesses being built from regional, rural, and remote Australia, but access to capital and investor networks has traditionally been skewed towards metro areas," said Jo Palmer, Invest Rural co-founder. "We're bringing the investment ecosystem to the regions - creating genuine connections and providing practical guidance on compliance, scaling and funding strategy in one focused day."
The forum features a curated line-up of investors and business growth experts, including Phil Ceulen (Mandalay Venture Partners), Kirstin Hunter (Birchal), Prem Chand (Hunter Angels), Rory Gazarian (HMC Private Credit), Renee Martin (SEFA), and Jim Cooper (Blue X).
Successful rural entrepreneurs will share real-world insights, including Olympia Yarger (Goterra), Hamish Munro (Pairtree), and Michele Stansfield (Cauldron).
The day includes panel discussions on scaling strategically from rural Australia, demystifying investment pathways and leveraging Research and Development incentives, and extensive networking opportunities with investors and peers.
"This is an event focused on business leader experience where you'll gain clarity on how different types of capital work, which one is right for your business, and make connections with people who can open doors," Palmer said.
The Scaling Rural Ventures Workshop is designed for business owners and scaleups looking to understand investment and access capital for growth.
Invest Rural is proudly supported by Investment NSW, Westpac, Elevate Bathurst, Cake Equity, Spinifex Recruiting, The Connection Table and Regional Development Australia Central West.
Event details:
- Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
- Location: Reckless Brewing, Bathurst
- Registration: investrural.com.au
For media enquiries, contact:
Jo Palmer co-founder of Invest Rural 0481160915
About Invest Rural:
Invest Rural is a curated event connecting rural businesses and scaleups with investors whilst demystifying funding pathways. Co-founded by Jo Palmer, Dave Lillo-Trynes and Claire Bull, the event champions rural innovation and creates practical pathways to capital for rural entrepreneurs.
About The Connection Table:
The Connection Table provides a platform for regional, rural and remote leaders to take a seat at decision-making tables across Australia - focusing on government, industry and community. With individual members across Australia, from Tasmania to the Kimberley, The Connection Table connects regional talent with opportunities to shape Australia through board positions, media, speaking engagements and community leadership.