As increasing numbers of veterans pursue entrepreneurship after military service, the veteran business ecosystem has become an important part of Australia’s transition landscape. Events that bring together veteran business owners, industry leaders and supporters help strengthen networks, share practical knowledge and create opportunities for growth. The continued rise of veteran enterprise highlights the many ways former service personnel contribute to Australia’s economy and communities long after their military careers conclude.
For many veterans, transition does not end when the uniform comes off. It evolves into a new mission: building a business, creating a livelihood, supporting a family, finding purpose, and translating years of military experience into success in civilian life.
Across Australia, a growing network of organisations, programs, mentors, advocates, and veteran-led enterprises is helping former service personnel navigate that journey. VetCon26 has become an important part of that landscape.
Held annually by the Veteran Business Community (VBC), VetCon brings together veterans who have chosen entrepreneurship as their next chapter, alongside business leaders, industry experts, supporters of veteran enterprise, and members of the broader military community. More than a conference, it is a gathering of people who understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with building something of your own after service.
This year’s event takes place on 9 July 2026 at Commonwealth Bank Place in Sydney and combines two major events in one day: the Veteran Business Conference during the day and the Veteran Business Awards in the evening.
The result is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the achievements of veteran-owned businesses across Australia.
Building the next chapter after service
Veterans leave Defence with a range of qualities that naturally align with entrepreneurship. Leadership, adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, strategic thinking, accountability, and the ability to perform under pressure are all highly transferable skills.
What many veterans often need is access to networks, business knowledge, trusted mentors, and a community that understands their background.
The conference has been designed specifically for veteran business owners and those within the military community who are considering starting a business. Rather than broad business theory, the focus is on practical learning that can be applied immediately.
Attendees have the opportunity to hear from veteran entrepreneurs who have successfully built businesses after service, learn from subject matter experts, and participate in workshops that address the realities of running and growing an enterprise.
Just as importantly, they gain access to a room full of people who have walked a similar path.
Anyone who has started a business understands the value of learning from those who have already navigated the challenges. Within the veteran community, that shared experience often creates a level of trust and openness that accelerates learning and collaboration.
Learning from those who have gone before
The speaker line-up reflects the diversity and strength of Australia’s veteran business community. Attendees will hear from leaders like Darian Macey, founder and CEO of DecNet and an Army veteran known for his work as an independent analyst and strategist.
SAS combat veteran Robert Kislby brings his experience as an author, keynote speaker, and leadership mentor, while Peter Liston, co-founder of the Veteran Business Community, continues to champion veteran entrepreneurship across the country.
Business growth and commercial strategy will be explored through Army veteran Edward Plant, co-founder of The Business League, while Navy veteran Emily Pyke shares her journey as co-founder and CEO of Undatech and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Former commando Damien Thomlinson will bring his well-known perspective on resilience, mindset, and overcoming adversity, while Army veteran Tim Walmsley will draw on his experience building BenchOn and leading within Australia’s defence industry.
A community built on connection
One of the defining characteristics of VetCon is its deliberate focus on quality over scale. The event is intentionally curated to support genuine conversations and meaningful relationships rather than large-scale networking for its own sake.
Veteran business owners often speak about the value of finding a community that understands both their service history and their business aspirations. Those connections frequently lead to partnerships, referrals, mentoring relationships, procurement opportunities, and long-term friendships.
As Australia’s veteran business sector continues to grow, these relationships are becoming increasingly important. Veteran-owned businesses are collaborating with one another, supporting each other’s growth, and creating opportunities that extend well beyond a single event. The conference provides a focal point where those relationships can be formed and strengthened.
Celebrating excellence in veteran enterprise
The evening’s Veteran Business Awards recognise the individuals and organisations helping shape the future of veteran entrepreneurship in Australia.
The awards celebrate leadership, innovation, community contribution, business performance, and industry impact. They showcase the breadth of talent that exists within the veteran business community and highlight those who are creating value for customers, industries, fellow veterans, and the wider Australian economy.
Awards span four categories: Leadership Awards, Community and People Awards, Business Excellence Awards, and Industry and Innovation Awards. Together, they tell a broader story about what success looks like after service.
For many attendees, the awards are also an opportunity to recognise peers whose achievements may otherwise go unnoticed. Every finalist and winner represents years of hard work, perseverance, and commitment to building something meaningful beyond military service.
Explore the programme: https://veteranbc.com/vetcon26
