Accredited Advisor of the Year Award

Family Business Association would like to celebrate the valuable range of contributions that FBA Accredited Advisors make to the family business movement generally and to the objectives of FBA specifically.

The Accredited Advisor of the Year Award recognises an individual who has contributed to FBA through their engagement with its members and with family businesses over an extended period of time (min 4 years). The winner will be announced at the Family Business Conference – Asia Pacific in 2026 and will receive a 20% discount to this event (inclusive of the Welcome Function and Awards Dinner).

Accredited Advisor of the Year Award Criteria

(this category is open to FBA Accredited Advisor/Specialist Accredited Advisor Members only)

Emerging Leader in Family Business Award

The Emerging Leader in Family Business Award highlights the professional development path of emerging leaders in Australian or New Zealand family businesses.

It recognises an outstanding person who is successfully navigating the path to leadership in their family business. The Emerging Leader in Family Business will embrace best practice in the business, and will demonstrate commitment to, and understanding of, the family’s values and history.

The top 3 finalists across all states/regions will be showcased at the State Insights Conferences and will receive a 20% discount to the Family Business Conference – Asia Pacific (inclusive of the Welcome Function and Awards Dinner), which is held in 2026 and where the overall winner will be presented.

Emerging Leader in Family Business Award Criteria

Leading Woman in Family Business Award

The Leading Woman in Family Business Award recognises an outstanding woman who demonstrates significant achievements in business leadership and who champions and supports the role of women in family business and the wider community.

The top 3 finalists across all states/regions will be showcased at the FBA Insights Conferences and will receive a 20% discount to the Family Business Conference – Asia Pacific (inclusive of the Welcome Function and Awards Dinner), which is held in 2026 and where the overall winner will be presented.

Leading Woman in Family Business Award Criteria

Founder's Family Business 

Founding Family Businesses navigate a unique landscape in which founders and family members are deeply entrenched in day-to-day operations, dedicating extensive hours to ensure success. These businesses are keenly aware of the necessity to harmonise family, business, and ownership dynamics. They actively cultivate systems to fortify these core pillars, aiming for financial stability and seamless integration for multiple generations. Their commitment often propels them to outpace industry growth, reflecting their resilience and dedication to long-term success.

Established Family Business  

In Established Family Businesses, the steady stream of profitability catalyses growth, fostering an environment of optimism and confidence. As the team expands to include new members, both family and non-family, there is a need for formal processes. Recognising the need for adaptation, founders embrace the importance of decentralising control and empowering others to make decisions.

Distinguished by their commitment to evolution, Established Family Businesses demonstrate the establishment of operational governance structures, albeit still in development, and the implementation of a strategic business plan. Guided by an effective leadership team, these businesses display tangible efforts in succession planning, ensuring continuity and longevity. Financial stability and robust cash flow underscore their resilience, with active engagement from multiple generations contributing to the business’ enduring success.

Legacy Family Business  

Mature generational family businesses epitomise a legacy spanning multiple generations, marked by structured family gatherings and broader meetings supported by an Advisory Council or Board. These enterprises are distinguished by their effective processes, which harmonise family, business, and ownership dynamics that ensure financial stability and sustainability. Philanthropic endeavours are embraced across all participating generations, reflecting a commitment to community impact.

When founders and the family unite around the business’ purpose, a productive synergy emerges, blending discipline with innovation. Agile operations yield consistent outcomes, propelled by robust processes. Maintaining its characteristic drive, the business matures, finding efficiency through ongoing process refinement.

With an expanded team comprising family and non-family members, operational efficiency improves. Many businesses balance nurturing family talent while seeking external expertise to meet evolving demands. With a commitment to adaptability and continuous improvement, these mature family businesses navigate this phase with resilience, ensuring their enduring legacy in the marketplace.