Nominations from the public have been open since last month and Chamber president Matt Wright said there had been a fantastic response.

Now it is time for businesses to get involved, Mr Wright said, and push their case. He stressed businesses that weren’t nominated were still very welcome to enter.

To mark the opening of entries, the chamber held an information night at Dubbo RSL on Tuesday.

The response from businesses was strong and those in attendance were able to hear from representatives of previous winners, Regand Park Early Childhood Education Centre and Kitchen and Renovation Concepts.

“They both spoke about the importance to their business of being entered, and what winning has done for them. It helps with a profile and even with staffing, it helps morale,” Mr Wright said.

Both businesses were successful at the Central West business awards and will now represent at a NSW level.

“There are heaps of businesses just like them who we believe haven't thrown their hat in the ring before and we would like them to have the opportunity,” Mr Wright said.

The Dubbo Chamber of Commerce was eager to build on the success of last year, where there were record entries and a lot of buzz, he said.

Entries close on August 5 and unlike previous years, there will be no extension because voting begins just days later.

People’s Choice nominations would remain open until the end of July, before the voting process runs during August.

Results will be collated and finalists will be announced at a sponsors and finalists cocktail night on September 21, before the Gala Presentation night on October 21.

Anyone who wants to nominate a business in the people’s choice or businesses wanting to enter the Rhino awards should head to http://dubbochamber.com.au/ and follow the links on the left side of the page.