Gateway by ICN - VBC

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Forging Opportunity with the Veteran Business Community

The Australian veteran business community has long been the quiet achiever in the Australian business landscape. With a natural humility and less focus on recognition, the Veteran business owner has largely not used their military background as a point of difference in the marketing or branding differentiation. 'Veteran Owned' has been an underestimated and underdeveloped segment of the Australian national economy which needs an increased profile within an inclusive and diverse supply chain.

Veteran Community Businesses in Supply Chains

Veteran community businesses (VCB's) are an untapped resource for the Australian economy. Supporting VCB's into both government and corporate supply chains has a multiplier effect in several ways:

continues to reap from the nation's investment in training
drives employment initiatives as veterans continue to hire veterans, and
most importantly, it continues to empower a community that is built on character, commitment and service.

Why does supporting a veteran owned business matter?

Firstly, the strength of '#veteranowned' is the people behind the business. Their military background has enhanced leadership, resilience and adaptability in problem solving - qualities that make them exceptional business partners. Despite their strengths, many veteran-owned businesses face challenges getting to the table in accessing the government and corporate procurement market.

One of the greatest drivers of veteran employment is veteran owned enterprises. There are many examples where veterans hire veterans actively seeking out their skills and giving them a workplace environment that is positive and engaging in their post military career. This creates a cycle of employment directly benefiting the veteran community and lowering unemployment rates.

How it works for Suppliers

With increased awareness of corporate social responsibility (CSR), many Australian corporations and government agencies are committed to supporting under-represented segments in their supply chains. Veteran-owned businesses align perfectly with these initiatives, providing ethical and socially responsible procurement options for large organisations looking to diversify their supplier base.

All Veteran Businesses on Gateway are badged with the VBC certification. To be granted the right to display these chevrons, the business must go through a simple compliance check with the VBC team. All ex-servicing personnel are welcome to apply for VBC certification regardless of rank, service, time served or Regular / Reserves status.

VBC chevrons and badge

Veteran Community Status

The first principle is to recognise the service of the person through endorsing their status as a current or former serving military member, or partner or spouse of either.

Veteran Owned Chevron - A person, or persons with veteran community status must own no less than 50% of a business.

Veteran Operated Chevron - A Veteran community member must be in control of the business from the position of CEO, Managing Director, sole trader or be able to demonstrate a controlling position.

Veteran Employer Chevron - A certified Veteran community business that has demonstrated recruitment and employment of others in the Veteran community.

Learn more about VBC membership and certification

How it works for Project Owners

For government and corporate buyers, identifying and verifying veteran-owned businesses can be a challenge. This partnership simplifies this process by curating a verified database of veteran-owned enterprises, making procurement faster, easier, and more efficient.

This streamlined approach benefits both sides:

Veteran owned businesses and entrepreneurs gain simplified access to contract opportunities.
Procurement teams can confidently engage with veteran businesses, knowing they meet required industry and regulatory standards.

Gateway by ICN and Veteran Business Community (VBC) partnership

ICN and VBC have partnered to bridge the gap between project owners and Veteran community businesses.

ICN helps Defence Primes and project owners identify suitable Australian suppliers with the capabilities to assist in delivering Australian projects. Our core platform, Gateway by ICN makes it easy for companies to submit EOIs for projects and showcase their capabilities.

Seek and engage with Veteran Community Businesses