Bendigo Chamber of Commerce and Industries, founded almost a century ago, and Central Victorian Business Network, established in 2002, would merge under a proposal to form the Bendigo Business Council.

The new powerhouse would consist of about 150 member representatives from almost every major Bendigo business, giving better access to government funding, infrastructure decisions and policy formation.

The new body would also lead a drive to make central Victoria the best place in regional Australia to do business.

The proposal, which will be put to two special general meetings on June 25, also foreshadows a single executive to oversee administration of the new body, with an interim board of management comprising four representatives from each member organisation.

Chamber chairman Graeme Sloan said the proposal would unite the strengths of both groups for the benefit of all regional businesses.

"It’s all about giving business in Bendigo not only a single voice but a bigger voice," Mr Sloan said.

"The well-established networking capacity of CVBN, combined with the lobbying strengths of the Chamber, would give greater access to government, media and other policy-makers, as well as nationwide business information and support," he said.

Mr Sloan said the new Bendigo Business Council would retain its Chamber of Commerce status, ensuring ongoing access to 350,000 Australian businesses.

"It will give members a greater array of options and services and, at the same time, we will no longer be competing for sponsors," he said.

Mr Sloan said the new business council would also overcome misconceptions that the Chamber of Commerce represented larger companies while CVBN was aimed at small local business.

"We want to get away from the thinking that there is small businesses and the other businesses, and instead get them together so that it strengthens all business in Bendigo."

CVBN chairman Derek de Vrieze said the new umbrella group would attract new business members by being able to offer more.

"This is about combining the resources for the benefit of business in Bendigo," Mr de Vrieze said.

"It will eliminate duplication in sponsorship and in a lot of the work done in administrative areas."

Mr De Vrieze said CVBN would keep its trading name and its calender of business network events, but the new council would centralise event organisation and extend access to all members.

Mr De Vrieze said the next step would be to inform members.