The chamber launched the 2016-17 Banjo Business Awards on Wednesday night with a revamped format.

Orange Business Chamber president Mark Madigan said the updated format was well received on Wednesday after some businesses questioned in previous years why they were not announced as finalists.

“The feedback was interesting – a number of people that came to the event to hear about what was going on came in skeptical and left going, ‘we love it’, so it was good,” he said.

“We’re making it really transparent so if you become a finalist, these are the reasons why.” 

Unlike previously, only the people’s choice award will rely on a popular vote this year, with the rest to be determined by a panel of judges.

Online nominations will open on October 3, closing on October 21 with a reduced number of categories so they can progress directly to the NSW Business Chamber Business Awards.

Businesses can submit a written nomination, with the judges to arrive at a list of finalists by November 30.

A second round of written submissions will determine the winner.

“We’re excited about the new format of the awards and look forward to the public and the business community embracing the changes,” Mr Madigan said.

He said the lower number of awards, combined with the plan to invite all finalists on stage when the winner was announced, was intended to celebrate each finalist and enhance the awards’ prestige.

“We’re trying to make it super exclusive so if you win, you really deserved that,” he said.

“Every business should [nominate] because every small business is a success story – we all work damn hard and don’t get the recognition that should be there so it’s a perfect opportunity.

“The key focus is we want businesses to champion themselves.” 

The awards night will be held at Orange Ex-Services’ Club on Saturday, February 25 and tickets will go on sale on December 1.

Visit www.orangechamber.com.au.