THE Southern Grampians Shire Council Business Awards are back after a two-year hiatus, with local businesses encouraged to nominate for their chance to win the coveted Business of the Year award for 2022.

Local businesses across all industries can nominate from Monday, May 9, in categories including Retail Business, Manufacturing, Inclusive Business, Community Enterprise, Sustainability, Tourism, Service Business, Technology and Innovation, Micro Business.

Nominations close Friday, July 15, with the prestigious award ceremony due to be held on September 9.

Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) mayor, Bruach Colliton said it was great to have the awards return this year to celebrate local business achievements.

"It's really exciting to see the Business Awards back this year to provide businesses a much-needed chance to reflect, and importantly, to celebrate their achievements, after what has unarguably been a tough two years," he said.

"Now more than ever, these awards give businesses a chance to network, reconnect, and see how others have adapted and changed to survive and grow through these challenging times."

SGSC would like to increase the number of nominations after the success of the 2019 awards.

"In 2019, we saw Pure Envy successfully take out the top award as Business of The Year,” Cr Colliton said.

“We were encouraged by the quality and the number of businesses taking the opportunity to nominate.

“So, this year we are putting the call out to all businesses thinking about nominating to get online to apply or pick up the phone for more information.

“We are also incredibly lucky to have a number of key sponsors continue their commitment to the awards, and we welcome some new sponsorship partners to support the awards program.”

KB Business Solutions director, Kevin Bennett will return as the independent judge to provide nominated businesses with valuable mentoring.

"If you have any questions regarding the nomination or judging process, please contact Council's Business Team on 5573 0444," Cr Colliton said.

Nominations will be open from May 9 - July 15 and can be made via an online a nomination form at sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/awards.