Nominations for the Southland Business Excellence Awards opened last night (May 16) at a special launch evening in Invercargill.

The bi-annual awards, held by Westpac in conjunction with the Southland Chamber of Commerce, recognise and celebrate the best of business excellence in the region across 10 different categories.

An overall winner, declared the 'supreme winner', will also be chosen from all finalists in each of the categories.

It is the fourth time the awards have been held, with the first awards happening in 2013.

The launch night at the Invercargill Civic Theatre will promote businesses to enter and provide information on the awards and how interested businesses can submit an entry.

Southland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sheree Carey said the awards were a great opportunity to recognise the growth and innovation in the region.

"The Southland region currently has one of the strongest economies in New Zealand. The Southland Chamber of Commerce acknowledges the hard work and success of Southland businesses that help drive the local economy to continue to allow it to grow."

The nomination period will close on July 12, with judging taking place in August and the awards night to be held at the end of September.

Tickets to the awards launch night are free and can be obtained via the website commercesouth.com