Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year | Veterans' Employment Program

To be eligible for this award, the applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia

be 18 years of age or over

have served at least one day full time service in the Australian Defence Force, and

own a veteran owned business (either solely or jointly) that is:

registered and based in Australia for at least 12 months on the closing date of nominations, and

the business has an Australian Business Number that has been active for at least 12 months on the closing date of nominations.
Nomination Criteria
1. What does the nominee(s) business do and why did they start/buy their own business? These are intended as a guide only. Nominations will be strengthened by linking how ADF service, training and skills development has assisted delivery of services/products, which could include: identifying a gap or niche in services/products changing or improving the way existing services/products are delivered addressing a veteran-related issue or other social, health or community problem applying skills/attributes gained from ADF service in an industry or business of their choice.
2. What has it taken for the nominee(s) to build a successful business and what sets it apart from its competitors? These are intended as a guide only. Examples could include: establishing a strong business brand adapting services/products and/or delivery methods to meet changing customer needs, changes in industry and technology and/or to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness responding to increases or changes to industry/business/government regulations providing quality customer service building and maintaining strong relationships with business partners/associates hiring and retaining skilled and capable employees, and engaging and empowering them in business decisions and operations having a clear vision of the purpose and future direction of the business demonstrating innovation to build new products or services investing in training and development programs for employees to improve their skills and capabilities and health and wellbeing providing employment opportunities or significant support (training/mentoring) for others in the veteran community.
3. What have been the key achievements of nominee(s) business over the last 12 months? These are intended as a guide only. Examples could include: improved/increased customer satisfaction/outcomes increased profitability/demand for services building a credible and reputable business identity introduction of new HR policies, programs or resources resulting in improved employee satisfaction and retention introduction of employee training or development programs to increase employee skills and capabilities establishment of new beneficial business partnerships or collaborations design/delivery of new products/services maintaining business growth and customer supply and demand in the face of changing markets/new competitors improving employment opportunities for other veterans supporting veteran community employees receipt of industry/business award(s).