This year's Port Stephens Business Awards showcases the best the region has to offer and celebrates the incredible drive, innovation and resilience at work in our business community.

"The Port Stephens Examiner is again delighted to be able to host the 2021 Excellence in Business Awards in a year that has been the toughest in memory for many in our business community," ACM Port Stephens/Hunter sales manager Neale Bidner said.

"COVID-19 has placed many challenges on people in business, who have shown great resilience and a determination to succeed - the Port Stephens way."

In a response to COVID-19, the Port Stephens team expanded the awards to include the new categories of Young Achiever and Innovative Business.

More than 8000 votes were counted to decide which businesses would be named as finalists in this year's Business Awards.

The awards, which were not able to be held in 2020, are an opportunity to mark excellence in business practice and celebrate the ways in which the community is continuing to support local business.

"The Port Stephens Examiner is proud to walk side by side in these difficult times with the community of Port Stephens," Neale said.