Bendigo's largest business event celebration will now be held on the AFL Grand Final public holiday eve, Thursday, September 23 in response to the current COVID lockdown.

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Be. Bendigo chief executive Dennis Bice felt it was extremely important to hold the gala awards event in person and at a capacity that provided access to as many businesses as possible to be in attendance safely.

"With the original event date only three weeks away, we know from past experience that density quotients will not be where we need them to be to really deliver the celebration worthy of the finalists and the supporters of the event," he said.

Mr Bice said the judging period for finalists has now been completed and ticket sales to the event have shown a strong uptake already, with all purchasers to be notified of the transfer to the new date.

"The interest in the event and the strong ticket sales so far highlight the desire of our business community to get together and have something to celebrate," he said.

"It's extremely important that we do everything in our power to facilitate this and encourage people to reconnect".

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The announcement comes after the 2020 awards were cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Be.Bendigo runs the awards to recognise local businesses for their contribution to Greater Bendigo.

Livestock and real estate agency McKean McGregor took out the Business of the Year award in 2019.

The event will still be hosted by the All Seasons Hotel Bendigo, and is supported by major sponsor, Bendigo Bank and 15 additional category sponsors.

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