WINNING the Capricornia Business trade award in 2014 was so good for Kathy McCosker's business she is entering again this year.

The Headstart Hair Beauty and Nails owner, who was surprised to see the event cancelled last year, saw the ad in the paper and thought "I'm going to do that again".

"It is good for the business," Kathy said.

"For people to see that trophy in the salon, it's a good thing...it gives you a little bit of extra pride in your business.

"It just means the work I've put into the business through our procedure manuals and clientele has paid off."

Kathy said the awards were also a good tool to see where your business stood in the local community.

"It's good to refresh yourself as well on what you had and what you were doing and for a business to actually sit down and go okay, how are we running?"

"We've used the prize title in our ads in the local directory, we've got that in there and online and we use that to draw in business.

"It's not actually that you go to try and win the award but when you get it for something your doing, that's a real honour.

Nominations are now open for the new-look 2016 Capricornia Business Awards to be held at the Rockhampton Leagues Club on Friday November 11 and Livingstone Shire Mayor Bill Ludwig is encouraging businesses from across both local government areas to nominate and show their wares.

"The 2016 event will take on a broader regional focus with the organising team comprised of representatives from both Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council, The Morning Bulletin, Capricorn Chamber of Commerce and Capricorn Enterprise," he said.

"The 2016 event will highlight diversity of business and industry in our region and I encourage everyone to apply.

"Awards are being offered in 10 categories as well as a People's Choice Award, voted on by members of the public, and Business of the Year."

Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Margaret Strelow said the broad range of categories will ensure businesses across all services and industries are catered for at the local business community's "night of nights".

"We are extremely lucky to have some of the true market leaders in their fields based right here in Central Queensland," Cr Strelow said.

"The organising committee has also recruited a panel of esteemed, impartial judges from across Central Queensland and beyond to adjudicate and we are already starting to see some great entries in a variety of categories."

Nominations are set to close on Thursday, 25 September.

Registrations are being taken through the new, specially designed website at www.capriornia

businessawards2016.com.au