Hosted by Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 180 nominations have been submitted across 10 categories representing 90-odd businesses within the local district.

After a three-year hiatus, the popular event has been bought back to give Inverell's business community a chance to unite and celebrate.

Chamber president Nicky Lavender said even though times were tough with economic pressure, Inverell's community was fairing better than other regional towns.

"The business awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the diversity we have and highlights businesses people may not have known existed. Employers also have the chance to recognise their employees in either the young emerging leader or business leader categories," she said.

Around 16 volunteer judges have the task of visiting each business nominated, because as much as the nomination process wasn't extensive, the judging process will be to ensure consistency and transparency.

There are four excellence in business categories, broken into staffing numbers, an excellence in social enterprise for community-based organisations, two employee categories, a super starter for new businesses, excellence in innovation, employer of choice, customer service award and people's choice.

"The customer service award will be judged by a secret shopper. Thirty-six businesses have nominated in that category so the secret shopper will be busy over the next few weeks."

Inverell Sports Council has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to also present their sporting awards as part of the eventful evening.

People's choice gives residents an opportunity to highlight a business they support. Nominations can be made through the 'Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry' Facebook page or via paper entry at either local newsagencies.

Winners from each category will have a choice of whether to progress into the New England Regional Business Awards, hosted by NSW Business Chamber.

Tickets to the awards night, held at the RSM Club on August 10, are available to purchase from Inverell Newsagency on Otho Street for $50. Prices include a two-course meal, the awards experience and international guest speaker Sebastian Terry. Sebastian was recommended to the Chamber for being an global speaker who created a movement called 100 things.

"He created a list of 100 things he wanted to achieve before he dies. What began as his own personal quest has grown into a global movement and he engages with people internationally to speak about setting meaningful goals, how to make them happen and helping others along the way."

Nicky said as businesses were feeling an impact by drought and a downturn in the economy, she hoped they may find inspiration and drive from Sebastian. Already quite a few tickets have been sold, so get in quick before the 2019 Inverell Business Awards completely sell out.