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WA Social Enterprise Awards

Supporting local has never been more important – and the WA Social Enterprise Awards are your chance to celebrate the businesses and people doing it best.

Across WA, 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.

Nominations open Monday 27 April.

2026 Award Categories

WA Social Enterprise of the Year

Recognises an established social enterprise that has achieved exceptional positive impact in Western Australia through innovative business practices, employment pathways and measurable outcomes that benefit the community.

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Emerging Social Enterprise of the Year

Celebrating a social enterprise in its early stages that has demonstrated strong potential for positive community impact and growth within Western Australia.

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Regional Impact Award

Recognising a social enterprise making a significant, positive difference in regional, rural, or remote Western Australia.

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First Nations Social Enterprise

Recognising a social enterprise making a significant, positive difference for First Nations people, culture, and Country in Western Australia.

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Above and Beyond Award

Recognising an inspirational supporter or champion – an employee, associate, supporter, or leader – who goes the extra mile to enable growth and collaboration in WA’s social enterprise sector.

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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 are the award categories?

What are the award categories? There are five categories:
Social Enterprise of the Year
Emerging Social Enterprise (operating less than three years)
Regional Impact Award
First Nations Social Enterprise
Above and Beyond Award (individual)

What criteria are nominations judged against?

Each award category has its own set of criteria. You can view the full criteria here (link to be inserted) before submitting your nomination – we recommend reading 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 here (link to be inserted) and will take 15-20 mins to complete. You can download a list of questions here

What are the important dates I should know?

Nominations open: Monday 27 April
Tickets on sale: Monday 18 May
Nominations close: Monday 1 June
Finalists announced: Monday 22 June
Awards Dinner: Thursday 13 August at The Westin Hotel, Perth

Who can nominate?

Anyone can submit a nomination – whether you’re an individual, organisation, or the social enterprise itself – as long as the nominee operates in Western Australia. If they’re not yet a WASEC member, our team will be happy to guide them through the membership process.

Can an enterprise be nominated in more than one category?

Yes, if they meet the criteria for multiple categories.

Can previous winners be nominated again?

Yes, they can 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. If they’re not yet a member, our team can guide them through the process.

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 can be purchased from Monday 18 May. Finalists receive one complimentary ticket. Nominees and WASEC members can purchase tickets at a discounted rate.

Are travel bursaries available?

Yes – if you a NFP or charity travelling to Perth for the awards event a number of travel bursaries covering transport and accommodation will be available – more details to follow.

What is the dress code on the night?

Cocktail or black tie – dress up and celebrate in style!

Who can I contact for more information?

For any questions about the nomination process, please contact [email protected] or call 0468 374 636 (Monday–Thursday, 9am–4pm).

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Criteria:

  1. New and growing: This award recognises social enterprises that have been operating for less than three years but are already showing strong potential for growth and positive impact
  2. Early positive outcomes: The enterprise should be making a tangible difference in the community, with early signs of success in improving local livelihoods or addressing social or environmental challenges in WA
  3. Innovative approach: The enterprise must be using creative, out-of-the-box solutions to tackle important issues, such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, or economic empowerment in the local community
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Criteria:

  1. Trailblazing solutions: This award celebrates social enterprises that have introduced innovative products, services, or business models that are solving some of WA’s most pressing social and environmental issues
  2. Proven impact: The enterprise should demonstrate how their innovation has positively impacted WA communities, whether by improving quality of life, creating new job opportunities, or reducing environmental harm
  3. Scaling for broader impact: This award recognises enterprises with the potential to expand their solutions and inspire other businesses or communities across the state to follow their lead
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Criteria:

  1. Exceptional leadership: This award honours individuals or teams that have shown outstanding leadership and vision in the social enterprise sector, inspiring positive change and creating meaningful impact in WA
  2. Driving social change: The leader should have a proven ability to drive social and/or environmental outcomes that benefit communities, with special recognition for those supporting underrepresented groups like women, young people, or culturally and linguistically diverse
  3. Empowering others: This award also recognises those who support and mentor others in the sector, fostering collaboration and helping others achieve their community-focused goals
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Criteria:

  1. Transforming regional communities: This award celebrates social enterprises that are making a significant difference in regional, rural, or remote parts of Western Australia
  2. Clear, measurable impact: The enterprise should have a proven track record of improving the environment and/or lives of people in these areas, whether through job creation, enhanced services, or better access to resources
  3. Empowering local communities: This award highlights businesses that collaborate with local communities, creating sustainable and lasting solutions that benefit everyone
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Criteria:

  1. Providing meaningful employment: This award celebrates social enterprises that create real job opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, such as those with disabilities, young people, or long-term unemployed individuals
  2. Clear benefits for the community: The enterprise should show measurable improvements in the lives of participants, providing skills, training, and pathways to long-term employment, while benefiting the broader community in WA
  3. Commitment to lasting change: The award recognises enterprises that not only create jobs but also ensure ongoing skills development, helping people gain long-term work-readiness and independence
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Criteria:

  1. Indigenous leadership: This award celebrates social enterprises that are led by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, ensuring that First Nations voices and leadership are central to the mission and operations
  2. Positive outcomes for Indigenous communities: The enterprise should be making a significant difference in the lives of Indigenous people in WA, whether through cultural, social, environmental or economic empowerment
  3. Culturally relevant practices: The business should incorporate culturally appropriate approaches that deeply engage and respect Indigenous communities, while delivering lasting benefits
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Criteria:

  1. Backing social enterprises test: This award recognises individuals, organisations, or institutions that have provided exceptional support to the social enterprise sector, whether through funding, advocacy, or capacity building
  2. Making a difference: The nominee should have helped social enterprises thrive in WA, supporting the growth of multiple businesses that are making a positive impact on their communities
  3. Building a strong ecosystem: This award highlights those who are actively working to create a supportive environment for social enterprises to grow, collaborate, and scale their impact