Once your feasibility study results have been collated, your committee's business plan completed and agreement with Bendigo Bank that your community has all of the elements required to successfully open a Community Bank® branch, your committee will form a public company limited by shares. This is a lengthy process, which includes signing of Bendigo Bank's Community Bank® franchise agreement and the launch of a legal prospectus.

This is where those people who pledged their support, and other supporters, are vital. Individuals will be asked to purchase shares (issued at $1 per share) in this public company. Shareholders should be local and have an intention to bank with their Community Bank® branch once it has opened.

Hundreds of shareholders are required not only to meet the minimum share subscription, but to provide a strong potential customer base for your Community Bank® branch.