On Friday, representatives from Cupitt's Winery and J&T Dale Plumbing collected their awards in front crowd of more than 650 Illawarra business leaders and VIPs at a gala dinner at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong.

The awards took on a special significance as they marked the 25th year of the Illawarra Business Chamber running the event.

Cupitt's took out the prize for Excellence in Hospitality and Retail and was a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category.

Customer experience manager Libby Cupitt said, in her acceptance speech, hospitality was at the "very core" of their business so it was great to be recognised.

'We are over the moon to win this award and have the opportunity to shine a light on the Shoalhaven within the greater Illawarra region," she said.

"This award 100 per cent belongs to our team who are not only so professional in their jobs but really understand the true nature of hospitality providing great experiences and are genuinely friendly, kind and caring.

"A huge thank you has to go to our team of chefs, who tirelessly create beautiful dishes every season with amazing produce from the garden and local suppliers. Also thanks to our front of house, reservations, and cellar door team who look after our guests and give them a wonderful customer service every time.

"To the cheesemakers, winemakers and brewers who make such quality products for our customers. There is a big team behind Cupitt's and we appreciate everyone's input."

J&T Dale Plumbing, started by two brothers from Lake Conjola, received the Excellence in Small Business award.

Director Jamie Dale said the whole team was really thrilled to win the award. They definitely weren't expecting this when they were two brothers raised in Lake Conjola

"It was great kudos for the team," he said.

Judges visited the site and saw all facets of the business including customer service, staffing and their trades work. Mr Dale said the business has been able to overcome challenges with consistency and effort.

"I think lots of small business owners would attest to this - [to overcome challenges] you have to work hard," he said.

"You've also got to be receptive to new ideas and be dynamic."

The alignment of the Illawarra and NSW Business Awards means that 13 of the 18 Illawarra category winners, including J&T Dale Plumbing, now progress through as finalists in the NSW Business Chamber Awards on November 22.

"We're lucky enough to be going up to Sydney in a month's time," he said.

Cupitt's has also been announced as finalists in the Excellence in Food Tourism category at NSW Tourism Awards. Last year Cupitt's took out Gold in Winery category and entered the Hall of Fame. They were also Gold winners in the Food Tourism category. Winners will be announced on November 14.