Once the local committee has determined strong community interest and buy-in, the local committee will appoint an independent consultant to undertake the study. Individuals, traders and business people will be asked to complete a survey form, calling for the level of banking business they would be prepared to bring across to a Community Bank® branch.

The study is confidential and only the consultant has access to the banking information you provide to the survey. This information is not available to Bendigo Bank or the local committee. From the aggregate data presented to the committee by the consultant, the committee will develop a business plan. It is from this business plan that a decision to proceed with a prospectus will be made, resulting in the establishment of your Community Bank® branch.