"Despite the pandemic being an incredibly tough road for local businesses, we have seen remarkable growth and resilience emerge from the business community.
"This year, we want to use the Business Awards to recognise businesses who used the learnings and changes the pandemic forced upon them in a positive way, with a view to coming out the other side stronger than before.
"There is finally light at the end of the tunnel, and this isn't about going back to a time before Covid – but about looking to the future."
Event organiser Anne Pankhurst said planning was underway for the awards night in December, which will see the event return to its pre-Covid size.
"We knew this year, as we are celebrating a new era for business, we needed to put on something extra special.
"After two years of adapting and downsizing the awards to fit within Covid guidelines, it feels fitting to return to Baypark for a big, bold celebration."
Pankhurst said every business that enters the awards has an opportunity to be recognised and celebrated.
"Whether you have been in business for 12 months or 12 years, this is your chance to reflect on your business – where it has been and where it is going.
"With this year's theme of 'Kick-start a brighter future', the awards carry even more importance for the winners who will be publicly noticed for their handling of the pandemic."
The awards feature 11 categories that cater to businesses of all sizes, sectors, and specialties.
This year, the Chamber has added two new categories: International Trade for importers and exporters, and Māori and Pacific Business.
People are also encouraged to nominate a local business if they think its efforts are deserving of recognition.
Anyone can nominate their favourite business online or by emailing anne@tauranga.org.nz
The Chamber will confidentially get in touch with that business on behalf of the nominator and work with them to start the entry process.
Entries are open until 5pm on October 7.
