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Date: 09 July 2026
Venue: Commonwealth Bank Building, Darling Park
Conference: 1000–1600h
Learn
Be inspired by keynote speakers and gain practical insights through specialist workshops designed for veteran business owners.
Connect
Build genuine relationships in a high-trust, curated environment where shared experience matters.
Celebrate
Recognise leadership, resilience, and excellence within the Veteran Business Community at the awards night.
Registrations/Nominations Open
01 March 2026
Nominations Close
24 May 2026
Judging Period
24 - 30 May 2026
Finalists Announced
31 May 2026
VetCon26
Wed 08 July 2026
Bump in / State of Origin networking event
Thu 09 July 2026
Conference and Awards Night
Veteran Business
Conference
1000h – 1600h
The daytime conference is designed to support the professional development of veteran business owners and those in the military community considering business.
It provides practical insights and networking opportunities to help attendees strengthen their ventures, explore new opportunities, and build meaningful connections within the veteran entrepreneur ecosystem.
Attendees will leave inspired, equipped with new tools, and connected to a supportive community that champions veteran-led businesses.
Main Plenary Hall
- A veteran-owned or veteran-led business
- Big ideas and shared narrative
- Inspiration grounded in lived experience
Specialist Breakout Rooms
Two bespoke breakout rooms offering:
- Practical, specialist guidance
- Smaller group sessions
- Applied learning you can take back to your business
This is learning designed for people who execute.
Meet Your MC
The Voice of the Conference
Meet Our Speakers
Learn from veteran entrepreneurs, industry experts, and leaders who have successfully navigated the path from service to business success.
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Stay tuned
More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
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Veteran Family Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognises a veteran family business demonstrating shared leadership, resilience, and success in business.
Open to partners and spouses of veterans and currently serving military members.
Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year
Awarded to a veteran business owner who exemplifies exceptional leadership, vision, and business performance.
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VBC Member of the Year
Recognises a member who consistently contributes to the strength, values, and success of the Veteran Business Community.
Community Impact Award
Awarded to a business or individual creating meaningful social impact within the veteran or broader community.
Veteran Procurement Champion
Recognises an organisation or leader demonstrating outstanding commitment to engaging veteran-owned businesses through procurement.
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Small Business of the Year
Recognises a small veteran-owned business demonstrating strong performance, sustainability, and execution.
Medium / Large Business of the Year
Awarded to a veteran-owned business achieving scale, impact, and consistent operational excellence.
Fastest Growing Business of the Year
Recognises a veteran-owned business that has achieved exceptional growth over a defined period.
New Business of the Year
Awarded to a recently established veteran-owned business showing early traction, innovation, and potential.
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Technology, Software and Innovation
Awarded to a business delivering innovative technology or digital solutions with strong commercial impact.
Trades and Construction
Recognises excellence in delivery, safety, and professionalism within the trades or construction sector.
Professional Services
Awarded to a business providing outstanding advisory, consulting, or professional services.
Defence Industry / Defence Estate
Recognises a veteran-owned business contributing to Australia’s defence capability or support of the defence estate.
Consumer Retail Product
Awarded to a business delivering a high-quality consumer product with strong market traction.
Health, Fitness and Wellness
Recognises a business improving health, wellbeing, or performance through products or services.
Agriculture and Rural Community
Awarded to a business demonstrating excellence and impact within agriculture or rural and regional communities.
Veteran Business Owners
Those currently running businesses and looking to grow, improve, and connect.
The Military Community
Veterans, serving members, and families exploring business as a pathway.
Community Champions
Government, charities, industry partners, and stakeholders who support veteran enterprise.
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