To be eligible for this award, the applicant must:
- be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia
- be 18 years of age or over
- be the partner (spouse or de-facto) of a serving or former Australian Defence Force member (who has served at least one day, full-time service), and
- own a 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 the skills and attributes developed or consolidated as a result of supporting ADF service has assisted delivery of services/products. An indication of the time period, and how recent the support to a serving or former member of the ADF (including for widowed and separated partners) has been will assist the panel understand the influence of supporting military service, as it relates to this nomination. This could include:
- identifying a gap or niche in services/products
- changing or improving the way existing services/products are delivered
- addressing a veteran community-related issue or other, social, health or community problem
- applying skills/attributes gained from supporting ADF service in an industry or business of their choice
- developing their business in a way that is profitable while also addressing impacts arising from support of ADF service
- mitigates challenges and impacts on their business arising from supporting a current or former member of the ADF; and/or
- actively applies their skills, through their business, to the benefit of the veteran community.
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
- using flexibility and problem solving skills to overcome obstacles in order to build a successful business
- 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
- 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 the veteran community
- supporting veteran community employees
- receipt of industry/business award(s).