Fundraiser and Ronnoco managing director Jodi O'Connor was named the Hunter's COVID Business Hero, attracting the highest number of votes in the people's choice category.

Ms O'Connor raised almost $90,000 for Soul Cafe after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the welfare organisation's annual Sleepout for the Soul fundraiser.

Hunter New England Health chief executive Michael DiRienzo was named Business Leader of the Year in recognition of his strong, consistent and purposeful leadership of the Hunter's largest organisation - which the judges said had come to the fore in a year when health institutions were thrust into the frontline of pandemic response.

Out of the Square managing director Marty Adnum received the President's Award for his pro-bono work during the pandemic, which included three campaigns promoting businesses and tourism.

Electrical engineering firm Ampcontrol won the Innovation and Adaptability category for its emergency ventilator, which was developed in response to a government call-out for manufacturing firms to pivot to produce frontline medical equipment.

Hunter Business Chamber president Tony Rhodes said 2020 had been a challenging year for business owners and operators.

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"Winning a Hunter Business Award in any year is a significant achievement," he said.

"In 2020, the year of COVID, bushfires, drought and many other challenges, it is all the more remarkable.

"Whether businesses have had to scale up or scale down, tweak their business model, change it entirely or just grind it out to survive, the past 12 months have demanded flexibility, versatility, courage and innovative thinking from us all.

"Those qualities, essential in building great businesses, are reflected in all of the finalists represented in our awards tonight, who collectively demonstrate the strength and resilience of our diverse business community."