FAQs | Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Business Awards
What are the Business Awards?
The Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce established the Business Awards in 1988, to celebrate business success and promote business excellence in the Nelson Tasman region.
When do entries open and close?
Entries for 2026 open Monday 3rd August and close on Monday 12th October at 11:59pm.Go here to start your entry once entries open.
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How do I enter online?
It's really simple. All you need to do is create an account in our online platform Award Force, choose which category you wish to enter (you can enter multiple), start and save your entry. You can start, save, edit and submit your entry online anytime between when the awards open and when they close. You can even make edits to a submitted entry until the deadline.
There are a few things you will need to upload at the same time (e.g logo, staff photo), but all the requirements are listed as part of the online application process. If you have any problems with the process, don't stress. Just get in touch. We're not trying to make things difficult for people and if you have problems submitting your entry or content, we'll work with you to make sure it all comes together. Having said that, we need you to make deadline so don't leave it to the last minute to submit or ask questions!
Who gets to see my entry? Is it confidential?
Yes, all entries are confidential. Only our Judges see the details of your entry, and they individually sign a confidentiality agreement. Marketing materials supplied as part of your entry, i.e. your logo, team photo(s) and media statement will be used to publicly promote you/your business as an entrant.
Can I enter myself for the Young Business Leader Award?
Yes! We except self-nominations for the Young Business Leader Award (nobody knows how much you have achieved as you do!). You will need to create an Awards Force account, start an entry and choose the "Young Business Leader Award - Application" category.
Entrants in this category must be 30 years of age or younger, as of the application closing date (12 October 2026).
Do I have to attend the Awards dinner?
All entrants are encouraged to attend, and award finalists are expected to be represented at the awards dinner. Winners are not advised of their success prior to the presentation of the awards. The dress code is black tie. The evening starts approximately 6.00pm and includes a 3 course meal, and finishes late.
Attending the awards night is a great opportunity to reward your staff by having a night out, or to host clients and business partners. If you love celebrating our local business community, this is the place to be.
Do I have to submit detailed financial information as part of my entry?
Yes, this is an essential component of the awards. All information is kept completely confidential at all times (all judges sign a confidentiality agreement).
This was my first year in business and I made a small loss – will this count against me in my entry?
No, it won’t. As an emerging business the judges will take into account the fact that your first year in business will have additional expenses, less turnover etc.
How many finalists will there be in each category?
Where shortlisting is required, up to five finalists will be selected in each category.
If a category receives five or fewer eligible entries, all eligible entrants will progress as finalists, provided they meet the entry requirements and judging criteria.
The awards continue to grow in popularity. A finalist shortlisting process helps ensure the judging process remains fair, robust and manageable, while maintaining the value and prestige of being named a finalist.
How can I be a sponsor of the Business Awards?
Nelson Pine Industries is our Awards naming-rights sponsor, but please contact Kim Odendaal if you would like to be a category sponsor or part of the Nelson Tasman Business Event of the Year (self-appointed category winner).
Is there an opportunity to nominate a Young Business Leader
Yes! If you know a young business leader making waves in Nelson Tasman, you can nominate them online via our Awards Force platform once award entries open. You will need to register an account, start an entry and choose the "Young Business Leader Award- Nomination" category. Once you have nominated someone, we will contact them to ask that they make a formal entry submission.
Entrants in this category must be 30 years of age or younger, as of the application closing date.
Does entering mean we are automatically a finalist?
In previous years, this has been the case. However as the awards continue to grow in popularity, a finalist shortlisting process will be introduced if a category receives more than five eligible entries. In this case, the judges will select up to five finalists to progress in that category.
If an award category receives five or fewer eligible entries, all eligible entrants will progress as finalists, provided they meet the entry requirements and judging criteria.
If a category does not receive enough entries, the Chamber reserves the right to combine categories, reduce the number of finalists, or not present an award in a category where there are insufficient entries or where entries do not sufficiently meet the judging criteria.
When will finalists be announced?
Finalists will be announced by the end of October, ahead of the Nelson Pine Industries Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Dinner. Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner.
Do I need to be a member of Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce to enter?
No, the Chamber welcomes entries from all businesses in the region regardless of their membership status.
Is there help available to enter?
Yes, the Chamber runs seminars to provide advice and help to entrants. To see the next session(s), go here. If no session is currently scheduled, or you would like help or advice with entering, please don’t hesitate to contact the Chamber.
What will I get out of entering?
It will help you focus on your business, giving you a clear strategy and provide you with a well thought-out business plan. It provides you with a solid document that you can use for tendering processes, finance and marketing material. It also gives you an opportunity to promote your business. Past winners regularly talk about how entering the awards has helped boost their business profile. Award entrants/finalists are promoted in the lead-up to the awards night, which helps raise awareness of your business, regardless of whether you win or not.
How much time will it take to put my entry together?
If you already have business and marketing plans, you’ll be able to use a lot of the information in those documents. If you do not have these documents, this is a great opportunity to get all the information in your head on to paper. We advise you do allow plenty of time to get your entry together. You are welcome to get in touch with us if you would like contact details for people who could assist you with your entries.
Can a franchise enter?
Yes, definitely. Franchisees frequently enter, and win. NB: The financials required would only be needed for your relevant branch.
Can a non-profit business enter?
Yes. Explain how your funding is obtained, the criteria to which your charter or constitution requires you to operate, challenges you face in meeting your goals and objectives while retaining your special not-for-profit status. In 2018 we introduced a category, the Community Impact Award, specifically for programmes, projects, campaigns or an overall business that has had, or continues to have a positive impact on the Nelson Tasman community in a way that inspires others and makes a difference.
Do I need to get a professional to put my entry form together?
Definitely not. Some entrants do use professionals to assist them with telling their story, but you can put it together yourself. In fact, we encourage entrants to do that, as it helps to give the judges a feel for you and your business. All entries must now be submitted online. You can upload videos and documents as part of your online entry, and we encourage you to put forward as much information about yourself as possible to showcase your business personality.