The Halifax Chamber of Commerce will host the 18th annual Halifax Business Awards at the new Halifax Convention Centre on Thursday.

The chamber said in a statement it expects hundreds of attendees for the event, in which 30 finalists are vying for six awards. The dinner is sold out.

“We’re recognizing the new, the innovative, the exporters, the big, the small businesses and the leaders who continue to grow our city,” said Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO of the chamber. “Our finalists represent a variety of industries, but what they all have in common is their drive, determination and passion. We are thrilled to be able to highlight some of the risk takers in our community.”

The finalists are:

New Business

Appili Therapeutics Inc.

The Barrington Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

Halifax Distilling Co.

J Farwell Sailing Co.

Sattva Boutique

Small Business

AeroVision Canada Inc.

BlueLight Analytics

Quantum Communications

Twirp Communications Inc.

WeUsThem

Export

B4Checkin

BlueLight Analytics Inc.

InterTalk Critical Information Systems

VERB Interactive

World Link Food Distributors Inc.

Innovative

Afishionado Fishmongers

BlueLight Analytics Inc.

Nautel

Squiggle Park

Third Wave Consulting

Business

Archway Insurance

Home Instead Senior Care

InterTalk Critical Information Systems

Mezza Lebanese Kitchen

PAVIA Gallery – Espresso Bar & Café

Business Leader

Ross Argante, Partner of Integrated Staffing Ltd.

Martina Kelades, Co-Founder of Shattered Silence Mental Health.

Joe Metlege, President of Templeton Properties.

Tony Nahas, Founder of Mezza Lebanese Kitchen.

Dave O’Connor, President of Glow, The Event Store.