Applications are flying in for Rotorua's annual Pitch Night, where aspiring businesses vie to win a share of $10,000 worth of business support prizes.
The night is run by Rotorua Trust X, which also runs a monthly networking event to connect and inspire local business owners and leaders.
Rotorua Trust X chairman Darren McGarvie said he was blown away by the growth in numbers over the last year.
"Interest and attendance in our monthly events show that the Rotorua business community is hungry for opportunities to connect, be inspired and learn from others who are leading the way.
"Our first event in 2009 had 12 attendees. That grew up to an average of 40 attendees after a few years. Over the last year growth has accelerated rapidly, and we are now seeing up to 80 people coming along each month, which is huge."