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WA Social Enterprise Awards

The WA Social Enterprise Awards are back. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on August 13th at The Westin Hotel.

There’s never been a more important time to back local Western Australia business that’s built for good – and the Awards are your chance to celebrate the enterprises and people leading the way. Across the state, social entrepreneurs are creating jobs, strengthening communities, and tackling our biggest challenges – from homelessness and domestic violence to childhood poverty and environmental impact.

On Thursday 13 August at The Westin Hotel, Perth, we’re bringing everyone together to recognise and celebrate them.

Buy your tickets now!
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Thank you to the generous support of our sponsors for making this event happen.

2026 Award Finalists

WA Social Enterprise of the Year

Congratulations to finalists:
– Centre for Stories
– Good Sammy Enterprises
– Ground and Co.
– Kardan Construction
– Soft Landing

Criteria

Emerging Social Enterprise of the Year

Congratulations to finalists:
– Circular Fashion Council (the)
– Holy Grounds
– Kepa Kwab
– Nick’s Jerky
– Sam’s Spares
– Skipping Stones Refillery
– StrideMate

Criteria

Regional Impact Award

Congratulations to finalists:
– Blak Tapas
– Camera Story
– FISH Outback Stores
– G-Force Contracting
– GNP 360

Criteria

First Nations Social Enterprise

Congratulations to finalists:
– Blak Tapas
– Gather Foods
– Ngarranggarni Civil and Mining Pty Ltd
– Self Made Indigenous Corporation
– Wyndham Arts Collective

Criteria

Above and Beyond Award

Congratulations to finalists (organisations):
-City of Cockburn
– Minter Ellison
– Shire of Denmark
– SOCO Realty

Congratulations to finalists (individual):
– Adam Levin
– Annie Hill
– Anthony MacShane
– Sophie Chamberlain

Criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the WA Social Enterprise Awards?

The WA Social Enterprise Awards recognise the individuals and organisations driving positive change across Western Australia through social enterprise. The 2026 awards dinner takes place on Thursday 13 August at The Westin Hotel, Perth.

What criteria are nominations judged against?

Each award category has its own set of criteria. You can view the criteria for each by clicking the link in each box above. Read these first so you can make the strongest possible case for your nominee.

How do I submit a nomination?

Nominations are submitted online by completing the nomination form by June, and will take 15-20 mins to complete. We recommend you draft a version offline first. If you need help with form or making an application please contact [email protected] or call 0468 374 636.

What are the important dates I should know?

Nominations open: Thursday 22 April
Tickets on sale: Monday 18 May
Nominations close: Monday 1 June
Finalists announced: week commencing Monday 22 June
Awards Dinner: Thursday 13 August at The Westin Hotel, Perth

Can an enterprise be nominated in more than one category?

Yes, if they meet the criteria for multiple categories.

Can previous winners, finalists or nominees be nominated again?

Yes, though previous winners must be nominated in a different category.

Does the nominee need to be a WASEC member?

No – anyone operating a social enterprise in WA can be nominated. Do find out more about becoming a WASEC member, email [email protected]

Who judges the awards?

The awards are judged by a panel of experts with diverse experience in social enterprise, community impact, and business innovation. The panel evaluates nominations based on the stated criteria, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.

Will finalists be notified before the awards night?

Yes – finalists will be announced in June.

How do I buy tickets?

Tickets are on sale now! Click here to get yours. Finalists receive two complimentary tickets. Nominees and WASEC members can purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

Are travel bursaries available?

Yes – if you are an NFP or charity travelling to Perth for the awards event a number of travel bursaries covering transport and accommodation will be available. Contact [email protected] for more information.

What is the dress code on the night?

Glam for Good – cocktail or lounge suit, with permission to bring the sparkle

Who can I contact about the awards?

Please contact [email protected] (event enquiries), [email protected] (media enquiries) or call 0468 374 636 (Monday–Thursday, 9am–4pm).

X

Criteria:

  • Delivered outstanding social, environmental, or economic impact in WA in the past year
  • Found innovative ways to run and grow the business – creating jobs, opening pathways, or finding new ways to do what they do
  • Genuinely puts purpose before profit – in the way they operate and where the money goes

X

Criteria:

  • Has been operating for less than three years in Western Australia
  • Is taking a new or creative approach to delivering social, environmental, or economic impact
  • Shows the ambition, adaptability, and early traction of a social enterprise with lasting potential in Western Australia
X

Criteria:

  • Operates in regional, rural, or remote Western Australia – and that location is central to what they do
  • Is improving lives or the environment in that community – through jobs, services, or better access to resources
  • Works with local communities to create lasting solutions, not just delivering services to them
X

Criteria:

  • Delivers outcomes for First Nations people or communities in Western Australia
  • Is First Nations owned or controlled, and shaped by First Nations knowledge, values, and relationships
  • Reinvests in community and contributes to a growing First Nations presence in WA’s social enterprise sector
X

Criteria:

  • Can be an individual, team or organisation. Roles might include but are not limited to delivering services, procurement, funding, ideas, events.
  • Goes above and beyond their role – contributing to outcomes or initiatives for the WA social enterprise sector that exist because of their involvement
  • Is known for bringing people together, building relationships, and strengthening the social enterprise community in WA