Business Awards
What are the Business Awards?
The Nelson Tasman Regional Chamber of Commerce established the Business Awards in 1988, to celebrate business success and promote business excellence in the Nelson Tasman region.
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.
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.
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 not-for-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 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.
Who gets to see my entry? Is it confidential?
Yes, it is confidential. Judges also individually sign a confidentiality agreement. If you choose to submit your entry in hard copy, these will be destroyed at the end of the judging process.
Do I have to attend the Awards dinner?
All entrants 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.
Reward your staff by having them attend or use it as an opportunity to host clients.
Do I have to submit detailed financial information as part of my entry?
Yes, this is an essential component of the awards. Financials are always destroyed at the end of judging.
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.
When do entries open and close?
Entries for 2024 will open in June and close early September. Exact dates will be announced in May. If you receive our weekly enews, or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, you won't miss the announcement!
Winners will be announced in March 2025.
How can I be a sponsor of the Business Awards?
Nelson Pine Industries is our main sponsor, but please contact Kim Odendaal if you would like to be part of this prestigious, Nelson Tasman Business Event of the Year (self-appointed category winner).