Nominations now open for the Heropreneurs Awards 2025: Celebrating entrepreneurial excellence in the military community

The Heropreneurs Awards 2025 is now open for nominations, celebrating the entrepreneurial achievements of the military community. Since its inception in 2018, the Heropreneurs Awards have recognised the outstanding talent and entrepreneurial spirit within the veteran community and the wider military family.

This year’s awards are once again sponsored by Warwick Business School, with the awards night hosted at The Shard, London, on 3 November. The awards honour how the military community is enriching the business landscape by spotlighting successful businesses, from start-up ventures to international enterprises, with a strong veteran-supporting ethos.

Heropreneurs, part of the Forces Employment Charity, seek nominations from businesses that can demonstrate their positive impact on society and the economy, highlighting the diverse aspects of the military community, including the contributions of spouses and the rise of female-led businesses.

Nominations are open to veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces, reservists, and their spouses, partners, and children who own or run a business venture at any stage. Applicants must be based in the UK and demonstrate a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and positive societal impact.

The Heropreneurs Awards 2025 will feature several categories, each aiming to recognise and celebrate the unique contributions and achievements of the military community in various sectors:

Heropreneur of the Year

This top award recognises an individual who has created or is running a successful business and is a positive force within the military business community. Success may take many forms, including growth, profitability, flexibility, and overcoming challenges.

WBS Award

Sponsored by Warwick Business School (WBS), this award is open to veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces, reservists, and their immediate family members who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit through involvement in a business venture or innovative project at their organisation. The winner will receive a scholarship to cover 100% of the tuition fees for an MBA programme of their choice at Warwick Business School.

Product of the Year

This award seeks to recognise the best products from the military business community coming to the market. The product can come from any sector but must represent excellence in both quality and innovation.

Start-Up of the Year

This award recognises a business in the early stages of its inception, which is most successfully transitioning from an idea to an operational business. The successful applicant will have a commercial product or service, a strong and sustainable business plan, and dedicated, enthusiastic management.

Technology Business of the Year

This award recognises a business whose main area of operation is in technology, either focusing on developing and manufacturing technology or providing technology as a service. Nominees must show how technology is the cornerstone of their business while highlighting the benefits it brings to its end users.

Nominations for all awards close on 10 June 2025. The WBS Award closes on 27 April 2025. Judging will take place in July, and shortlisted candidates will be announced in late July.

The Heropreneurs Awards 2025 provides a meaningful opportunity for the military community to come together, make new connections, and celebrate their achievements. The awards evening will focus on bringing together Heropreneurs’ wider networks and supporters, alongside their valued mentees and mentors, to celebrate the incredible contributions of the military business community.

Do you have a business or know someone who deserves recognition? Submit your nomination today.