Celebrating Armed Forces entrepreneurs in 2026
Nominations are now open for the Heropreneurs Awards 2026, signalling the start of another year celebrating the exceptional talent, ambition, and impact of the UK’s Armed Forces entrepreneurs. Organised by the Forces Employment Charity, the awards recognise the achievements of veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and military family members who are establishing businesses, fostering innovation, and making positive changes within their communities.
Since their launch in 2018, the Heropreneurs Awards have become a vital support for Armed Forces entrepreneurs. Each year, they highlight the resilience, purpose, and ingenuity that define businesses founded or led by members of the military community. From early-stage start-ups to well-established enterprises, the awards spotlight individuals who are using their skills and experience to create ideas with real-world impact.
Warwick Business School MBA Scholarship
A key aspect of the programme is the Warwick Business School MBA Scholarship Award. Sponsored by WBS, the scholarship provides the winner with full tuition fees for an MBA of their choice, valued at up to £69,980, along with substantial support for runners-up. Open to veterans, serving personnel, reservists, and immediate family members who demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit, this award continues to shape future leadership paths. Applications for the scholarship close on Sunday 26 April.
Award categories for 2026
The 2026 awards also recognise categories such as Heropreneur of the Year, Product Business of the Year, Start Up of the Year, Micro Enterprise of the Year, and Technology Business of the Year. Together, they highlight the diverse range of businesses emerging from the Armed Forces community, from innovative tech solutions to exciting new products and rapidly expanding military start‑ups.
Heropreneurs, a programme of the Forces Employment Charity, offers year-round support to Armed Forces entrepreneurs through mentoring, networking, and recognition. Its expanding community demonstrates a shared commitment to helping veterans and their families succeed in business and beyond.
Key dates
Nominations for the 2026 Awards are now closed. 2027 nominations will open in March. This year’s awards ceremony will take place at The Shard, London, on Monday 2 November.
