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Everything you need to know about Veteran Business Community, membership, verification, veteran-owned status, products, events and opportunities.
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About VBC
Understand the Veteran Business Community, the free VBC Network and what becoming a VBC member means.
What is the Veteran Business Community?
Veteran Business Community (VBC) is Australia's market infrastructure for veteran-owned businesses.
VBC works to strengthen the veteran business ecosystem by:
- Verifying veteran-owned businesses
- Connecting buyers with trusted suppliers
- Creating commercial opportunities
- Supporting business growth
- Advocating for veteran enterprise
What is the VBC Network?
The VBC Network is a way to connect with the broader veteran business community.
There are no eligibility or verification requirements to join.
Joining the VBC Network does not make you a VBC member and does not mean you or your business has been verified by VBC.
Who can join the VBC Network?
Anyone can join the VBC Network.
It is suitable for:
- Veterans exploring business
- Transitioning members
- Veteran families
- Businesses interested in the veteran business community
- Anyone wanting to stay connected with VBC
What is a VBC member?
VBC membership is separate from participation in the VBC Network.
VBC members must meet the applicable membership requirements and complete VBC verification.
All VBC members are verified, regardless of the VBC product they purchase.
VBC Products
VBC has four core offerings. Each serves a different purpose, and you don't need to access every product.
What products does VBC offer?
Network
Purpose: Stay connected to the veteran business community.
Best for: Individuals and businesses wanting to participate in the broader VBC community.
Price: Free
Network participation does not constitute VBC membership and does not require verification.
Certification
Purpose: Provide additional formal recognition and value for businesses that want to leverage their verified veteran-owned status.
Best for: Verified veteran-owned businesses wanting to strengthen credibility, support procurement activity and maximise the commercial value of their VBC veteran-owned recognition.
Price: $200 per year, excluding GST, commencing three months after sign-up.
Purchasing Certification does not determine whether your business is Registered or Certified VBC Veteran-Owned. These are verification statuses based on veteran ownership and, where applicable, effective control.
Alliance
Purpose: Build meaningful business relationships through strategic introductions, referrals and curated networking.
Best for: Businesses looking for growth, partnerships and commercial opportunities.
Price: $100 per month, excluding GST.
Alliance provides opportunities to connect with other veteran-owned businesses, participate in events, receive strategic introductions and access relevant commercial and procurement opportunities.
Advisory
Purpose: Receive structured coaching, accountability and business growth support.
Best for: Business owners wanting expert guidance to scale their business.
Price: $750 per month, excluding GST.
Getting Verified
How VBC confirms veteran service, residency, business ownership and veteran ownership.
What is VBC verification?
Verification is the process VBC uses to confirm information including:
- Veteran service
- Australian residency
- Business ownership
- Veteran ownership percentage
- Effective control, where applicable
Who is eligible for veteran verification?
Applicants must:
- Own a business
- Have served in the Australian Defence Force or the armed forces of another country
- Be a current Australian resident
The age of the business does not affect eligibility.
What happens when my business is verified?
Veteran-owned businesses receive one of two verification statuses.
Certified VBC Veteran-Owned — verified veterans own 51% or more of the business.
Registered VBC Veteran-Owned — verified veterans own 50% or less of the business and can demonstrate meaningful ownership and effective control.
Your status is determined by the ownership structure of your business, not by the VBC product you purchase.
Ownership & Business Structures
How Certified and Registered status is determined across different ownership arrangements and business structures.
What is Certified VBC Veteran-Owned?
A business is Certified VBC Veteran-Owned where verified veterans own 51% or more of the business.
What is Registered VBC Veteran-Owned?
A business is Registered VBC Veteran-Owned where verified veterans own 50% or less of the business and can demonstrate meaningful veteran ownership and effective control.
What if ownership is exactly 50/50?
A business with equal veteran and non-veteran ownership is Registered VBC Veteran-Owned, subject to the veteran demonstrating effective control.
What if multiple veterans own the business?
Their verified ownership shares are combined to determine the business's veteran-owned status.
- Two verified veterans owning 30% each = 60% combined veteran ownership → Certified
- Two verified veterans owning 25% each = 50% combined veteran ownership → Registered, subject to effective control
Proof of veteran service is required for every veteran whose ownership is included in the combined veteran ownership percentage.
What does “control” mean?
Control refers to the veteran's ability to make or influence key decisions within the business.
It demonstrates that the veteran is actively involved in leading or directing the organisation.
Can sole traders be verified?
Yes.
The veteran must be the registered owner of the business. A verified veteran sole trader has 100% ownership and therefore receives Certified VBC Veteran-Owned status.
How are companies assessed?
Company ownership is determined by shareholding.
- 51% or more verified veteran ownership → Certified
- 50% or less → Registered, subject to meaningful ownership and effective control
- No veteran ownership → Not eligible for veteran-owned verification
How are trusts assessed?
Trusts are assessed according to their individual structure.
Supporting documentation may include:
- Trust Deed
- Corporate Trustee documents
- ASIC documentation where applicable
- Other evidence demonstrating that the veteran owns or controls the trust
What if my business operates through a holding company?
Where a veteran owns a holding company that owns operating businesses, VBC will generally verify the holding company.
Where ownership of the holding company and operating entities can be demonstrated, the verified ownership status may apply across eligible entities within the group.
Can spouses and partners of veterans participate in VBC?
Yes.
Veteran family businesses, including businesses owned by spouses and partners of veterans, are welcome to participate in the VBC community and may access eligible products.
Applicants seeking membership must meet the applicable requirements and provide evidence of their relationship to the veteran.
Evidence may include:
- Marriage certificate
- Evidence of a de facto relationship
- Civil partnership certificate
- Other official documentation demonstrating the relationship
What happens if my business ownership changes?
You must notify VBC if your business ownership changes.
VBC may need to review your verification and request updated documentation.
A change in veteran ownership may also change your business from Registered to Certified status, or from Certified to Registered status.
Verification Documents
The evidence VBC may need to confirm service, residency and business ownership.
What documents will I need?
Requirements depend on your business structure, but generally include:
- Proof of Australian residency
- Proof of veteran service
- Proof of business ownership
- Identity verification
- Required business information
Additional evidence may be requested where necessary.
What can I provide as proof of veteran service?
Examples include:
- Certificate of Service
- Certificate of Discharge
- DVA Gold Card
- DVA White Card
- Service records
- Other official Defence or military documentation
Overseas military service is accepted where appropriate official evidence can be provided.
What documents prove business ownership?
Sole Trader
ABN registration can be used to demonstrate ownership.
Company
A current ASIC Company Extract showing directors, shareholders and shareholdings is required.
ASIC documentation must be from within the previous 12 months.
Trust
Documentation must demonstrate that the applicant owns or controls the trust or corporate trustee.
Why do I need an ASIC Company Extract?
An ASIC Company Extract provides evidence of the legal ownership structure of a company.
VBC determines company ownership using shareholding rather than relying on directorship or management roles.
Onboarding
What to expect when completing verification and submitting your business information.
What does onboarding involve?
VBC onboarding involves two main steps:
-
Complete identity and veteran verification.
Complete the required secure identity and veteran verification. -
Provide your business information.
Complete the required onboarding information and provide the relevant business documentation.
What happens after I submit my information?
The VBC team will review your information and supporting evidence.
Once everything required has been completed:
- Verification is finalised
- Your Registered or Certified status is determined
- Your membership is activated
- Welcome communications are sent
- Your applicable benefits are activated
If additional information is required, the VBC team will contact you.
Can I participate in VBC without being verified?
Yes, through the VBC Network.
There are no eligibility or verification requirements to participate in the Network.
Joining the Network allows you to participate in the broader VBC community, but it does not make you a VBC member or mean that your business has been verified.
Badges, Organisations & Billing
Using your VBC status, charity participation, payments, cancellations and refunds.
What VBC badge will my business receive?
Your badge reflects your verified veteran-owned status.
Certified VBC Veteran-Owned businesses receive the Certified VBC Veteran-Owned badge.
Registered VBC Veteran-Owned businesses receive the Registered VBC Veteran-Owned badge.
Your badge is based on the outcome of verification, not the VBC product you purchase.
When can I use my badge?
You can use your VBC Veteran-Owned badge once verification has been completed and your status has been approved.
Badges cannot be used while verification is still in progress.
Where can I use my badge?
- Your website
- Email signatures
- Social media
- Capability statements
- Tender responses
- Marketing materials
Can charities and not-for-profits join VBC?
Yes.
Eligible Australian charities and not-for-profit organisations supporting the veteran community can join VBC through VBC Alliance – Verified Veteran Community Business.
Unlike veteran-owned businesses, charities and not-for-profits are not verified based on ownership. VBC instead considers the organisation's veteran-focused purpose and veteran leadership.
What are the charity and not-for-profit eligibility requirements?
- Be a registered Australian charity or not-for-profit
- Demonstrate that supporting veterans or veteran families forms part of its purpose
- Have a veteran in a leadership or decision-making role
What documentation is required for eligible organisations?
- Proof of charity or not-for-profit registration
- Proof of veteran service for the nominated veteran
- Evidence the veteran holds a leadership or decision-making role
- Evidence of the organisation's veteran-focused purpose
What recognition will an eligible organisation receive?
- Become a VBC Alliance member
- Be recognised as a VBC Verified Veteran Charity
- Receive the VBC Verified Veteran Charity badge
- Receive the applicable 75% discount on the standard VBC Alliance membership fee
How are paid VBC products billed?
- Certification: $200 per year excluding GST, commencing three months after sign-up
- Alliance: $100 per month excluding GST
- Advisory: $750 per month excluding GST
Can I cancel?
Yes. You can cancel at any time.
Once your cancellation takes effect, your VBC membership will end and all associated services, benefits, representation and use of VBC badging will cease.
Are refunds available?
Refund requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact VBC if you would like to request a refund.
What happens if my payment fails?
Failed payments will generally be retried automatically.
If you need to take action, VBC will contact you and may ask you to update your payment method using a secure payment link.
Opportunities, Events & Resources
Procurement, networking, VetCon, the VBC Podcast, community channels and useful business resources.
What is the Veteran Procurement Program?
The Veteran Procurement Program connects government, corporate and Defence buyers with verified veteran-owned businesses.
Its purpose is to make it easier for buyers to identify trusted veteran suppliers.
Does being VBC verified guarantee contracts?
No.
VBC verification and Registered or Certified VBC Veteran-Owned status do not automatically make your business eligible for, or guarantee, government, corporate or Defence contracts.
VBC works to increase recognition of veteran-owned businesses and improve access to supply chains and procurement opportunities.
Relevant procurement or tender opportunities may be shared with suitable businesses where VBC becomes aware of them.
Should I include my VBC status in tenders?
Yes. Where relevant, include your Certified VBC Veteran-Owned or Registered VBC Veteran-Owned status in tender submissions.
This demonstrates that your veteran-owned status has been independently verified.
What events does VBC run?
VBC hosts a range of events throughout the year to bring together the veteran business community, build connections and create opportunities.
Core recurring events include:
- VBC Networking Sessions
- Lunch in the Mess
- VetCon
What are VBC Networking Sessions?
VBC Networking Sessions are held weekly and are open to everyone, regardless of VBC membership or verification status.
They provide an opportunity to connect with the broader veteran business community, build relationships and learn more about VBC.
What is Lunch in the Mess?
Lunch in the Mess is VBC's monthly digital networking session for VBC members.
- Frequency: Monthly
- Format: Digital
- Access: VBC members
What is VetCon?
VetCon is VBC's annual veteran business conference, first launched in 2026.
The conference brings together the veteran business community and includes the Veteran Business Awards, recognising achievements within the veteran business sector.
Access and registration requirements are specific to each VetCon event.
Does VBC run other events?
Yes. VBC may host or participate in additional events throughout the year. Access and registration requirements may vary by event.
What is the VBC Podcast?
The VBC Podcast shares stories, experiences and insights from across the veteran business community.
It features conversations with veteran business owners and other guests relevant to the VBC community.
Where can I listen to the VBC Podcast?
Can I apply to be a podcast guest?
Yes. VBC members interested in appearing on the podcast can express their interest below.
Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee an appearance. Guest participation is subject to VBC review and suitability.
Where can I find the VBC website and app?
Where can I follow VBC?
Where can I find procurement and business opportunities?
Veteran Industry Portal powered by BenchOn
Connect with buyers and suppliers and access relevant tenders, contracts and business opportunities.
Visit the Veteran Industry Portal →
Gateway by ICN
Register to compete for government and corporate projects.
Still have a question?
If you have questions about VBC membership, verification, products or your application, contact the VBC team for assistance.