KEY DATES
2026
NOMINATIONS OPEN
1 MAY 2026
ENTRIES OPEN
16 JUNE 2026
ENTRIES CLOSE
10 AUGUST 2026
TICKETS ON SALE
2 SEPTEMBER 2026
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
OCTOBER 2026
AWARDS NIGHT
13 NOVEMBER 2026
Shining Bright: The Best of Business
The Yorb Hawke’s Bay Business Awards celebrates successful businesses across the region and benefits hundreds of entrants. Expert judges analyse business activities inside out, providing constructive feedback to help businesses grow. Award winners showcase an attractive commercial environment and lifestyle, inspiring the future of Hawke’s Bay business. It’s a prestigious and credible way to profile and challenge businesses.
Thank you to Engage Video Creation for producing our incredible awards videos
award categories
EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS
Recognising overall business excellence in performance.
BEST MICRO BUSINESS
Celebrating outstanding small businesses.
LEADER OF THE YEAR
Recognising exceptional leadership and influence
BEST EMERGING BUSINESS
celebrating new ventures with bright futures
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
voted by the community
OUTSTANDING MĀORI OR PASIFIKA BUSINESS
Honouring cultural leadership and business excellence
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL IMPACT
Honouring businesses making a positive difference
SUPREME AWARD
The ultimate recognistion of business excellence
HOW IT WORKS
ENTER
Choose your categories and submit your application online
EVALUATED
Entries are judged by a panel of experienced business leaders
FINALISTS
Finalists are announced and invited to the awards celebration
CELEBRATE
Join us for an unforgettable night of celebration and recognition
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
WHAT FINALISTS SAY
AWARDS NIGHT
Friday 13 November 2026
Napier War Memorial Centre
An unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration and connection with Hawke’s Bay’s business leaders.
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