Time is running out for local entrepreneurs who think they could be regional Businesswoman of the year.

October 31, is the deadline for entrants running businesses throughout Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire.

Deserving women who have shone with determination and achievement can also be nominated by customers, employers, colleagues or suppliers to win these annual honours.

Leigh-Ondrea Bendall, Last year’s winner of the Businesswoman of the Year Award, said: “EEBW award has helped by adding credibility to the business in this difficult economic climate both within the sectors we work and in general.”

The event is organised by the Suffolk branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and sponsored by high street bank Lloyds TSB Commercial and Adnams plc. This year’s finalists will benefit from high profile media coverage and the winners will be presented with a range of valuable prizes.

One will also be nominated for the Veuve Cliquot national Businesswoman of the Year Award.

The three categories are East of England Businesswoman of the Year Award for directors, partners or senior managers of businesses with a turnover above £1 million.

The Businesswoman Entrepreneur of the Year Award is open to women who have developed their own businesses and have a turnover in excess of £500,000.

Finally the Young Businesswoman of the Year Award is open for women who have set up and established their own businesses in the region and are under 30 years as of December 31, 2009.