World number one ranked tennis player and multi-Paralympic gold medallist Dylan Alcott was the special guest speaker and gave an inspirational talk to the room of 160 people.

The event, hosted by NSW Business Chamber, handed out 14 awards to business from across the region, with Tamworth City Dance Academy (TCDA) taking home the prestigious Regional Business of the Year.

READ ALSO

TCDA won 26 of their 28 entries in the Eisteddfod, but owner Kellie Singh was still shocked to take out the top gong.

"It's a massive surprise, but an amazing acknowledgement," Mrs Singh said.

"There are so many amazing businesses, not just in Tamworth but across the region. To be acknowledged as the one that goes through the next level is huge."

Mrs Singh said she was lucky enough to not only teach her passion of dancing for a living, but to do it alongside her husband, Paul.

"I guess if you can raise kids together, you can probably teach another 450 to dance," Mrs Singh said, laughing.

"We really did choose the best people to work with and we're a good little team."

Want to have your say? Click here to write a letter to the editor

NSW Business Chamber regional manager Joe Townsend said TCDA were fitting winners, given the "inclusive, dynamic and social dance community" they had created in Tamworth and Quirindi, catering to more than 350 families.

"This year's winners should feel incredibly proud to be named as the region's leading businesses for 2019," Mr Townsend said.

"We wish them every success as they continue to represent the New England North West at the NSW Business Chamber State Business Awards."

TCDA also took out Excellence in Small Business, while Nicole Brown from Face 2 Face Beauty Salon in Armidale was name Outstanding Business Leader.

Mr Townsend made special mention of the Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who won Local Chamber of Commerce "after achieving significant membership growth", unseating the Gunnedah Chamber, who claimed the title for the past three years.

- Outstanding Young Employee - Libby Campbell, Everingham Solomons (Tamworth)

- Outstanding Young Entrepreneur - Rianna Feenstra, Altitude Farm (Uralla)

- Outstanding Business Leader - Nicole Brown, Face 2 Face Beauty Salon (Armidale)

- Excellence in Micro Business - GW Group (Gunnedah)

- Excellence in Small Business - Tamworth City Dance Academy (Tamworth and Quirindi)

- Excellence in Business - Obieco Industries (Tamworth)

- Excellence in Social Enterprise - New England Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (Armidale)

- Start-Up Super Star - China Billy (Tamworth)

- Excellence in Innovation - AMPS Agribusiness (Tamworth)

- Excellence in Sustainability - Armidale City Centre Inn (Armidale)

- Excellence in Export - Three Creek Beef (Armidale)

- Outstanding Employer of Choice - Forsyth's (Armidale)

- Local Chamber of Commerce - Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Inverell)

- Regional Business of the Year - Tamworth City Dance Academy (Tamworth and Quirindi)