Recognition programs play an important role in strengthening emerging business communities by establishing benchmarks for excellence, increasing visibility, and creating greater confidence among customers, industry and government buyers. As veteran-owned businesses continue to expand their contribution to Australia’s economy, initiatives that celebrate leadership, innovation and commercial performance also help showcase the depth of capability within the sector and support stronger procurement, partnership and investment opportunities.
The Veteran Business Community (VBC) announced the winners of the inaugural Veteran Business Awards on the 9th of July, recognising outstanding veteran-owned businesses from across Australia during the awards dinner following VetCon26, the organisation’s first national conference dedicated to veteran business owners.
The inaugural awards attracted 438 nominations across 12 categories, reflecting both the depth of Australia’s veteran business community and the growing recognition of veteran entrepreneurship as an important contributor to the national economy.
More than a celebration of individual success, the awards establish a national benchmark for excellence within the veteran business sector. Every finalist progressed through a rigorous assessment process against published criteria, with judges evaluating evidence across business performance, leadership, innovation, measurable impact, organisational values and category alignment. Finalists were required to satisfy every element of the assessment framework, demonstrating the exceptionally high standard achieved across the field.
The judging panel included Julie Hall, Senior Manager, CommBank for Veterans at Commonwealth Bank, and Nagy Sorial CSC & Bar – Deloitte Consulting.
According to Veteran Business Community co-founder Peter Liston, the awards form part of VBC’s broader mission to increase recognition of veteran-owned businesses and strengthen opportunities for them across Australia’s procurement and supply chains.
“Veteran-owned businesses represent a unique group of Australians who bring proven service, exceptional leadership, character, courage and integrity into business. These awards help create greater awareness of the capability within our community while building stronger connections between opportunity and veteran-owned businesses. When we bridge that gap, we strengthen both our economy and our veteran community,” he said.
Master of Ceremonies Rebecca Plant said the overwhelming response to the inaugural awards demonstrated both the quality and diversity of Australia’s veteran business community.
“Veterans rarely stop serving. They simply redirect that service into business, into community and into creating opportunities for others. Tonight is about recognising the founders, business owners, families and supporters who continue serving in a different way by building businesses that create jobs, solve problems and strengthen communities.”
“Every finalist should be incredibly proud,” said judge Julie Hall. “Being recognised by your peers is a significant achievement, and every award acknowledges not only business excellence, but contribution to customers, communities and Australia’s growing veteran business ecosystem. The leadership, integrity, resilience, teamwork and commitment developed through military service continue to provide powerful foundations for business success.”
One of the evening’s strongest messages came from Kaine Ogden, who accepted his second award of the night and reflected on what makes the Veteran Business Community unique.
“The people in this room are the early adopters. Throughout today, every conversation has been about how we can help each other, what we do, and where we can support one another. These awards recognise the value veteran-owned businesses bring, while creating stronger connections between businesses that genuinely want to see each other succeed.”
The awards concluded a landmark day for Australia’s veteran business sector, following VetCon26’s theme of Learn. Connect. Celebrate., which brought together veteran entrepreneurs, government representatives, industry leaders and procurement specialists to explore opportunities for business growth and collaboration.
Congratulations to every winner on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to all of the finalists who continue to raise the standard of excellence across Australia’s veteran business community.
VetCon26 showcased the innovation, resilience, leadership and impact that veteran-owned businesses bring to industries across the country. The Veteran Business Community looks forward to recognising even more outstanding businesses when the Veteran Business Awards return alongside VetCon27.
Inaugural Veteran Business Awards winners
