Moree Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses across Moree Plains to enter the 2026 New England North West Business Awards before the extended deadline. From left are Treasurer Yateender Gupta, Chair Sam Burgess, Vice Chair Tyler Macey and Secretary Amy Carrigan. Image: @thecontentlabau
Moree Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses across Moree Plains to use an extended deadline for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards and “have a go” at putting their story forward.
Business NSW has extended entries for the regional awards until 11.59pm on Monday, July 13, giving local businesses an extra week to submit an application.
The awards are open across a wide range of categories, including Outstanding New Business, Excellence in Micro Business, Excellence in Small Business, Excellence in Innovation, Excellence in Sustainability, Outstanding Employee and business leadership categories.
Business NSW said the awards were not only for large or long-established operators, with categories designed for businesses of different sizes and stages.
“You don’t have to be a big business,” Business NSW said.
“It’s about celebrating all business — small, medium and large.”
Moree Chamber of Commerce said the extended deadline was a good opportunity for local businesses to pause, reflect on what they had achieved and consider whether they, their staff or their business should be recognised.
The chamber is particularly encouraging smaller operators, new businesses and time-poor owners not to rule themselves out.
Business NSW said many business owners were busy and could feel they did not have time to enter, but an application could be completed in about an hour or two.
“Have a go,” Business NSW said.
“It’s really rewarding to reflect back on the journey you’ve been on.”
Business NSW said entering the awards could help businesses gain recognition, celebrate their achievements and increase their profile and credibility.
A regional win can also open the door to the NSW Business Awards, where regional businesses are judged alongside businesses from across the state.
Walcha Coffee is an example of what can happen when a small regional business puts itself forward. The regional coffee roaster won Excellence in Micro Business before being named 2025 NSW Business of the Year at the Business NSW State Business Awards.
Business NSW said Walcha Coffee’s success showed businesses did not need to be large or metropolitan to stand out.
Moree Chamber of Commerce said the awards were also a chance to recognise the people behind local businesses, including long-serving employees, emerging leaders and business owners who contribute to the wider community.
To enter, businesses need an active membership with Business NSW, MyBusiness or their local chamber.
Business NSW said a free MyBusiness membership option is available for businesses wanting to submit an entry. Local chamber membership can also connect businesses with support, guidance and business networks.
Moree Chamber of Commerce membership enquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Entries for the 2026 New England North West Business Awards close at 11.59pm on Monday, July 13. Businesses can enter at https://www.businessnsw.com/events/2026-business-awards/new-england-north-west.
Finalists will be announced on Wednesday, August 12, with the regional gala ceremony to be held on Friday, September 25. Winners from eligible regional categories progress to the NSW Business Awards on Friday, October 30.
