The awards recognise businesses who have demonstrated resilience and shone during a particularly challenging year.

Voting commenced on November 1 and will close on November 28, with those wishing to cast their thoughts to do so via the Mudgee Chamber of Commerce's website.

The award categories include: hospitality, entertainment and tourism; health, wellbeing and lifestyle; trades and construction; retail; community and volunteer services; personal and professional services; entrepreneur; and other.

Winners will be awarded based on the number of votes received.

Mudgee Chamber of Commerce president Ali Broinowski said the awards are a way for community members to point out a business(s) that have pushed through this year's plethora of challenges.

"We felt that we needed some increased community spirit and some good news, a feel good celebration," she said.

"They're really to recognise businesses that have made big changes, pivoted, been really resilient and managed to get through the last 10 months as best they could.

"It's acknowledging of all the effort and extreme lengths they've gone to to keep their businesses going. We saw pubs doing takeaway, pharmacies doing everything they could as deliveries, pilates coming through zoom, all sorts of things.

"Some have come out on top of the world, others have struggled and managed to keep going. It's just saying well done to all of those people."

Broinowski continued by emphasising just how much it would mean for any business to be recognised and appreciated by way of the awards.

"It's a much needed pat on the back for a lot of businesses. People are very quick to criticise but often they don't get the positive feedback which is nice to be able to share within the community," she said.

"Everybody should be involved, it's an opportunity to recognise any type of business in our community. It takes one to two minutes, it's really quick.

This is a one-off event to showcase the resourcefulness of the local Mudgee Region business community.

An awards evening will take place on the December 8 when the winners and runners up will receive recognition, where all COVID-19 requirements will be adhered to.

Tickets for the event are now on sale on the Mudgee Chamber of Commerce's website.