Shoalhaven Business Chamber president Jemma Tribe said while local business owners understand the safety of the community must come first, the news of the lockdown extension added to the frustration business owners were already feeling due to an impacted school holiday period.

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"[Business operators] had stocked up ready to go for what they'd hoped would be a busy period so the message continues to be that we as locals [need to pitch in and support local businesses] with the little bit of time we have left before school holidays comes to an end," said Mrs Tribe.

"We need to help fill the gaps and take kids out for activities and for dinner so we can help out those businesses who have a few cancellations on their hands.

She said businesses will continue to pivot where they can.

"If there's anything the last year and a half has taught us is that we need to be flexible as business people.

"Businesses have been through so much in the Shoalhaven already and it's certainly disheartening because it brings back all those difficult memories from the past 12 months.

"But I have no doubt we have some really strong and resilient businesses who will get through this. And I am hoping that we can celebrate some of those success stories at our upcoming business awards as well."

Entries for the Shoalhaven Business Awards close Wednesday, July 7 at 5pm.

"We're looking forward to hearing some of those stories of resilience and celebrating with those businesses on August 20," said Mrs Tribe.

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