The Milspo Awards 2024 last night was exactly what we had planned: a night of connection, fun and of course creating five new award winning business owners from the military spouse community.
The fifth Milspo Awards, sponsored by Gillian Jones Designs, are all about celebrating the resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of military spouses. They’re a testament to the power of community, the strength of collaboration, and the unwavering support that defines the Milspo network.
Since 2020 we have awarded 25 Milspo owned business owners with our very special business awards to celebrate those business owners who are creating brilliant businesses, despite juggling the pressures of modern military life.
I’m so excited to share all the highlights with you and our 2024 Milspo Award Winners.
Shining a Light on New Talent
First up, we have the Milspo New Talent Award, which recognises the awesome military spouses who have launched their businesses in the last 18 months. This year’s winner, Rachel Circuit of Circuit Assist, totally blew us away!
Rachel has been a military spouse for 17 years and has made it her mission to support her local and the wider military community through her business. Her plans to franchise her VA business and support even more military spouses in their careers is just wonderful, and highlights the brilliant work she is doing.
Collaboration is Key
Next, we have the Milspo Collaboration Award, which honours those who have teamed up with other military spouse businesses or related organisations.
Jenny Byron, the amazing woman behind Military Spouse Works, is a shining example of collaborative spirit. Jenny is always sharing invaluable advice for military spouses seeking career changes or re-entry into the workforce. Her dedication to providing high-quality information and connecting individuals with relevant support services is commendable.
Reaching for the Stars
The Milspo Ad Astra Award is all about resilience, determination, and unwavering support for the Milspo community. This year’s winner, Elizabeth Simpson of Elizabeth Simpson Coaching, has not only built a profitable business but has also become a pillar of support for her fellow military spouses.
Despite the challenges of an international posting, Elizabeth established a business to assist other military spouses and partners navigating the complexities of battalion relocation. Her work has provided solace and a sense of belonging to those experiencing loneliness and isolation – something that every military spouse needs support for!
Making a Positive Impact
The Milspo Positive Impact Award recognises outstanding contributions to positive change within the military community. This year’s recipient, Nicola Kellock of Livewell Therapy, has made a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless military families.
With 35 years of experience in military life, Nicola brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding to her work. Her dedication to mental fitness, particularly among young male service personnel, has helped reshape attitudes and provide invaluable support to those in need.
The Milspo Dream Team
The Milspo Team Award is a special recognition of unwavering support and exceptional championship within the military spouse entrepreneurial landscape. This year’s winner, Rachael Fake, has not only championed the Milspo message but has also played an instrumental role in the success of the Milspo network itself.
Rachael’s dedication to the Milspo community extends beyond her own business. She has been a driving force behind the success of the recent Milspo Business Start-Up Course, empowering 27 military spouses to launch their new businesses through the Business Launch Accelerator Course.
A Night of Festive Fun and Inspiration
The awards ceremony wasn’t just about recognising these amazing entrepreneurs; it was also a chance for the Milspo community to come together for one last time in 2024 for a virtual Christmas party! We had music, laughter, and a festive quiz that put our Christmas knowledge to the test.
Congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the 2024 Milspo Awards! You’re all amazing, and your contributions to the Milspo community are invaluable.
Thank you to all who joined us, especially those posted abroad who juggled the time zones, to Gillian Jones Designs who sponsored our 2024 awards and a huge congratulations to our 2024 winners!
