The Grand Business South Awards 2025

The Finalists have been announced! Get ready for the Awards night on the 20th of November to celebrate the best and brightest businesses in the Southern region.

The finalists have been announced. It's inspiring to see so many businesses represented from across Otago and Southland; from emerging startups and exporters to community organisations and industry leaders. Even in challenging times, the business community reflects the creativity, determination, and resilience that define our business community.

Find out the Finalists

Important dates

Entries close Monday 14th July, 5.00pm
Judging begins, 1st to 15th August 2025
Finalists announced end August 2025
Awards Gala 20 November 2025

Read the Entry Guide here.

Enter your business into The Grand Business South Awards 2025

SECTOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Excellence in Service
Excellence in Retail
Excellence in Hospitality
Excellence in Tourism
Excellence in Marketing
Excellence in Customer Experience
Excellence in Workplace Injury Prevention
Excellence in Manufacturing
Excellence in Exporting
Excellence in Science & Technology

BUSINESS PRACTICE AWARDS

Excellence in Sustainability
Excellence in Innovation
Excellence Strategy & Planning
Excellence Best Emerging Business

SPECIAL AWARDS

Entrepeneur of the Year
Honours an entrepreneur.

Distinguished Leader | Dunedin City Council
Honours a high-achieving individual. This individual has made exceptional and distinctive contributions to business, particularly in the Otago region.

People's Choice
All finalists will be eligible for the People’s Choice Award, which is open to the public to vote for their favourite business.

The Grand Supreme Business of the Year | The Grand
All businesses in the awards are eligible for this category. The winner of this award is selected by the judges from the winners of each category.