At the first Illawarra Women in Business (IWIB) lunch of the year at Centro CBD, the directors of the peak networking group for businesswomen said applications for the awards would close on April 2.

Delyse Del Turco and Glenda Papac also encouraged people to mark May 3 in their diaries and book tickets for the awards presentation at Bella Portofino Function Centre.

"Applications are all online," Mrs Papac said.

"I think this year we have a category that will probably suit everyone, whether you are a woman in business, employed or self-employed.

"Or you might be someone who puts an extra bit of effort into the community. We have a few community awards this year.

"So give it a go and enter the awards. It is not hard and at the same time, you might also learn a little more about your business."

Mrs Papac said entering the awards was a bit like doing an audit on your own business.