Companies have been shortlisted for prestigious awards from Bedfordshire Federation of Small Businesses.
A team of 14 judges took eight hours to decide the shortlist which includes companies from every corner of Beds.
Damian Cummins, chairman of the Luton and South beds FSB said: “There is a great diversity of businesses and some young entrepreneurs are really shining through.”
Shortlisted firms from the Luton and Dunstable area are:
New Business: Crannull Consulting, High Town Road, Critical Film, Markham Road, both Luton.
Innovation: Silvertoad, Butterfield, Great Marlings, Luton.
Business Person of the Year: Toma Habashi, Silvertoad.
Employee: Natalie Taylor, of Noble Solicitors, in Alma Street, Stuart Street and High Town Road, Luton.
Enterprising: e-FM Network, Liverpool Road, Luton.
Entrepreneur: Stephen Rhodes, of Bullet Point Media, Eaton Bray; James Mossman, Critical Film.
Training & Development: Stoten Gillam, High Street South, Dunstable.
Young Business Person: James Mossman, Critical Film.
The final will be held at The Conservatory at Luton Hoo on June 6.