The Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards is a yearly event celebrating the outstanding achievements of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. These awards recognise the hard work, resilience, and dedication that Victorian First Nations businesses have to the self-determination of our people. Created by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, the awards aim to inspire, reinforce pride, and share the stories of First Nations business owners. Corporate Allied Businesses that work alongside Mob to create meaningful opportunities are also honoured for their support and commitment.
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, innovation, and leadership in Aboriginal business across Victoria. Hosted by Kinaway Chamber of Commerce, the Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards Gala is the premier event recognising the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and entrepreneurs. The night will feature:
A formal gala dinner
Announcement of the 2026 Award Winners
Live entertainment and cultural performances
A celebration of Aboriginal business success stories
Networking with industry leaders, corporate partners, and community
Whether you’re a business owner, community supporter, partner or ally—this event is a moment to honour the strength, creativity, and impact of our Aboriginal business sector.
Save The Date!
Date:
Friday 6th November.
Time:
6:30pm - 11.30pm
Location:
Centrepiece, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne
Nominations opening soon!
Elegance in Excellence: Honouring First Nations Leadership and Legacy
This theme embodies the grace, sophistication, and enduring strength of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs. It celebrates their remarkable achievements with an air of refinement and prestige, reflecting the high regard in which their contributions are held.
"Elegance" signifies the timeless dignity and cultural richness that underpin First Nations communities, while "Excellence" highlights the outstanding standards of innovation, resilience, and leadership demonstrated by business owners. Together, the phrase pays tribute to those who have paved the way and continue to lead with integrity, vision, and pride.
The theme also underscores the importance of legacy—honouring the stories of perseverance, cultural heritage, and self-determination that shape the future. It inspires pride within the community and encourages future generations to carry forward this legacy of leadership, resilience, and achievement.
Award Categories & Criteria
Take a look at these categories that celebrate the incredible achievements, resilience, and contributions of Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses:
Karen Milward Excellence Award
This award recognises a business that is achieving outstanding outcomes within its field. The Karen Milward Excellence Award is dedicated to a business that demonstrates excellence as an industry leader through exceptional business performance, innovation and leadership.
Judging extends beyond financial success to recognise excellence across Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, cultural leadership, community impact and sustainable business growth.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Must have been a registered business for at least three (3) years (registered prior to 1 July 2023).
Must be a majority owned and operated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander business (at least 51%).
Must be a certified Kinaway member as of 1 October 2026.
Sistas in Business Award
This award celebrates the exceptional achievements of a First Nations female-led business owner. It recognises outstanding business success while celebrating leadership, resilience, innovation and the empowerment of women in First Nations business.
The judges will be looking for a business owner who demonstrates strong leadership, positive business outcomes and a commitment to supporting and inspiring others.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
The business must demonstrate significant achievements between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
The business must have been registered prior to 1 July 2025.
The business must be at least 51% Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander female owned and operated.
Must be a certified Kinaway member as of 1 October 2026.
Emerging Business Award
(Previously Up-and-Coming Business Award)
The Emerging Business Award recognises a business in the early stages of its journey that has established a strong foundation and demonstrates clear potential for sustainable growth and long-term success.
The judges will be looking for a business that has shown strong early performance, innovation and a clear vision for future growth.
Your nomination should demonstrate how receiving this award would help elevate your business over the next 12 months, such as increasing exposure, supporting business development or creating new opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Must have been a registered business prior to 1 July 2025.
Must not have been operating prior to 1 July 2023.
Must be a certified Kinaway member as of 1 October 2026.
Regional Business
The Regional Business Award recognises an Aboriginal-owned business that has demonstrated outstanding achievement while operating in regional Victoria.
The judges will be looking for businesses that have created positive economic, social or community outcomes within regional Victoria and have demonstrated business excellence over the past 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Businesses must demonstrate significant business achievements between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
The business must be registered on the Australian Business Register as being located in regional Victoria.
The business must have been operating in regional Victoria during the assessment period.
Must be a certified Kinaway member as of 1 October 2026.
Corporate Partner Excellence
The Corporate Partner Excellence Award is designed to recognise and celebrate a corporate partner that has demonstrated exceptional commitment and success in working with and engaging Aboriginal businesses over the past year.
This award highlights organisations that have gone above and beyond in their efforts to support the growth, sustainability, and inclusion of Aboriginal businesses within their operations.
The aim of the Corporate Partner Excellence Award is to honour the corporate partner that has achieved outstanding results in collaborating with Aboriginal businesses. This award acknowledges the significant contributions made by the winning partner in fostering meaningful partnerships, creating economic opportunities, and promoting long-term success for Aboriginal businesses.
This award is distinct from the Corporate Partner Innovation Award, which specifically focuses on innovative approaches. The Corporate Partner Excellence Award celebrates overall excellence in engagement, partnership, and support of Aboriginal businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Must demonstrate meaningful engagement with Aboriginal businesses between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
Must be a current Kinaway Corporate Partner.
Creative Business Award
The Creative Business Award recognises an Aboriginal-owned business that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation and originality within the arts and creative industries, including design, visual arts, music, fashion, media and other creative practices.
The judges will be looking for businesses that demonstrate business innovation, creative excellence and strategic direction while making a positive contribution to the creative industries.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Businesses must demonstrate significant creative achievements between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
Must have been a registered business prior to 1 July 2025.
Must be a certified Kinaway member as of 1 October 2026.
Community Impact Award
(NEW 2026 Award)
The Community Impact Award recognises an Aboriginal-owned business that has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to its community through leadership, employment, education, partnerships, cultural initiatives or social impact.
The judges will be looking for businesses that create positive outcomes beyond commercial success by strengthening communities, creating opportunities for Aboriginal people and demonstrating genuine community leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Businesses must demonstrate significant community impact between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
Must have been a registered business prior to 1 July 2025.
Must be a majority owned and operated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander business (at least 51%).
Must be a certified Kinaway member as of 1 October 2026.
Retailer Of The Year Award
(NEW 2026 Award)
The Retailer of the Year Award recognises an outstanding Aboriginal-owned retail business that demonstrates excellence in customer experience, product offering, branding, innovation and business growth.
The award celebrates retailers who are building strong brands, creating exceptional customer experiences, showcasing Aboriginal products, culture and creativity, and contributing to the growth of the Victorian Aboriginal business sector.
Eligible businesses may operate through physical stores, online platforms, markets, pop-up retail, wholesale or tourism retail, or a combination of retail channels.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Businesses must demonstrate outstanding retail achievements between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
Must have been a registered business prior to 1 July 2025.
Must derive a significant portion of their business through retail sales.
Must be a majority owned and operated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander business (at least 51%).
Must be a certified Kinaway member as of 1 October 2026.
Corporate Partner Innovation Award
The Innovation in Indigenous Partnership Award celebrates a Kinaway Corporate Partner that has demonstrated exceptional creativity and originality in supporting Indigenous businesses. This award recognises programs or strategies that introduce unique and forward-thinking solutions to address challenges and create new opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Key criteria for evaluation include the measurable impact with Indigenous businesses and communities, its sustainability and potential for long-term benefits, and the extent of community involvement and collaboration with Indigenous stakeholders. Additionally, the innovation should have the potential for scalability and transferability, allowing other organisations to replicate or adapt the approach to benefit Indigenous businesses elsewhere.
Eligibility Criteria
This award has the following eligibility criteria:
Must demonstrate innovative engagement with Aboriginal businesses between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
Must be a current Kinaway Corporate Partner.