"Some of those were businesses still recovering from the impact of the 2015 floods," she said.
There are eight category awards and the ACU supreme winner will be chosen from those finalists.
Categories include hospitality, tourism, retail, manufacturing and distribution, professional services, small business, trade services and suppliers, and digital.
There are also two special category awards. One is for the best emerging business (businesses in existence for less than two financial years) and the other for not-for-profit enterprises which enhance the quality of life of the wider community.
Meanwhile the chamber has named Marianne Archibald as its new chief executive officer.
Ms Archibald has a background in law, strategic planning, economic development and digital strategies and until recently had been working with the Whanganui District Council rolling out its digital strategy.
Ms Overton-Stuart said the chamber was impressed with Ms Archibald's ability to get Whanganui into the Top 7 Intelligent Communities in the world and felt that her vision was just what the chamber was looking for.
The chamber moved away from its connection with Business Central in Wellington over 18 months ago after deciding that the organisation needed to be locally operated to ensure the best results for members.
"The appointment of a CEO to lead the organisation and build local capacity is a necessary step to making that happen." Ms Overton-Stuart said.
Ms Archibald said she was excited to be in the new role and that she feels strongly about Whanganui's success as a community.