The 2017 event was officially launched on Wednesday, May 17 at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. 

The awards are run by the Shoalhaven Business Chamber and are now in their 33rd year. 

In conjunction with TAFE NSW, the chamber has produced a nine series podcast aimed at helping business owners put together a winning awards entry. 

Practical tips from guests who have won, judged or supported a range of business awards programs in Australia will be available. 

Awards Insider is available to download in iTunes. It’s hosted by Chance Hanlon, and awards manager, Miranda Packer, and produced locally.

Award entries are now open and Ms Packer encouraged everyone to start thinking about their application. 

“We need to see evidence, so don’t just make claims, we need to see it in the form of testimonials, awards and success stories,” she said. 

“I would suggest involving lots of people, from your employees, to your accountant, your suppliers, your lawyers and your customers.

“We also need to see a structured approach with a lot of attention paid to detail.”

Entries close on June 27 and the awards gala evening will be held on August 25 at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre.  

With 100 businesses and sponsors already involved, Ms Packer said this year's event is off to a strong start. 

“We’ve had so much interest already this year and I feel like it will be our biggest yet,” she said. 

“It’s a great opportunity for businesses to get together, celebrate their wins throughout year and reflect on their success.” 

Ms Packer said the awards are a chance to reward and recognise staff and identify areas in the business that need further development.  

Nineteen awards are available in a range of categories, sixteen of which can be directly entered.  

To enter, or for more information, head to shoalhavenbusinesschamber.com.au