Nominations for the 2018 Peak Connect Carillon Business Awards open on Monday with 19 categories aimed at recognising the best of the best.

The awards showcase excellence in: business leadership, entrepreneurship, social enterprise, sustainability, innovation, export, business growth and employment practices.

Business awards sub committee chair Stephen Harper said this year’s awards are easier to enter than ever before.

“There’s four standard questions for every category and one question specific to that category,” he said.

“It’s a simplified process this year, you can save it [your entry] and go back to it and start again.

“You can enter as many categories as you like.”

Mr Harper said changes to the awards were introduced due to feedback from entrants and business during the past few years.

The nomination period runs from June 18-30 and he encouraged members of the community to get involved and nominate businesses or employees across any of the 19 categories.

Business owners can also choose nominate themselves.

“If your business is nominated you’ll get a notification and then it’s up to that business to enter,” Mr Harper said.

“We’re looking for great businesses, favourite employees or someone with good customer service.

“We’re looking for those businesses that are doing great things that people don’t know about.”

Mr Harper said the award categories offer opportunities to the 3000-plus registered businesses in the Bathurst region.

Businesses wishing to accept their nomination will then be required to officially enter the awards. Entries are open from July 1-30.

To find out more or make a nomination visit the 2018 Peak Connect Carillon Business Awards online.