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WASEC Social Enterprise Awards

Celebrate WA’s Social Impact Stars – tickets on sale now!

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Across Western Australia, individuals and organisations are driving positive change for our communities, environment, and economy. On Thursday 19 June, the WASEC Social Enterprise Awards 2025 will celebrate the social entrepreneurs delivering goods and services that empower regional communities, break down employment barriers, and tackle some of society’s biggest challenges – from domestic violence and homelessness to childhood poverty.

For the first time ever, social enterprise is taking centre stage in WA – and you can be part of this milestone moment! Nominations are now closed, but tickets are on sale for the main event – don’t miss your chance to join us in recognising and celebrating the changemakers shaping a better future for Western Australia.

Huge thank you to Impact Seed, our headline sponsor, and all our event partners below for bringing this occasion to life!

Award Categories

 WA Social Enterprise of the Year

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

View Criteria

Emerging Social Enterprise Award sponsored by WARRRL/C4C

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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Innovation in Social Enterprise Award

Recognising a social enterprise using innovative approaches, models, or technologies to address social or environmental issues in Western Australia.

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Social Enterprise Leadership Award sponsored by Impact Seed

Celebrating an individual or team demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and influence in the WA social enterprise sector, with a clear track record of positive impact.

View Criteria

Regional Impact Award

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

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Work-Integrated Social Enterprise Award sponsored by Westpac

Recognising a social enterprise that provides meaningful employment, training, and pathways to work for people facing barriers to employment in Western Australia. 

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Indigenous-Led Social Enterprise Award

Acknowledging the achievements of a social enterprise led by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, delivering positive, community-driven outcomes within WA.

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Best Supporter of Social Enterprise Award

Recognising an individual, organisation, or institution that has provided exceptional support to the social enterprise sector in WA, enabling growth, collaboration, and positive community impact. 

View Criteria

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Criteria:

  1. Proven positive impact: This award celebrates a social enterprise that has demonstrated exceptional social, environmental or economic outcomes in Western Australia over the past year, such as creating employment opportunities for disadvantaged groups or improving community well-being
  2. Sustainable business practices: The enterprise should have implemented innovative business practices that lead to long-term benefits for the community, such as creating jobs, offering skills development programs, or running health and environmental restoration projects
  3. Commitment to social enterprise values: The award recognises businesses that align with the core principles of social enterprise, reinvesting profits into community initiatives and prioritising people and the planet alongside making a profit
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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: 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
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FAQs:

  1. Who can nominate for the WASEC Social Enterprise Awards? Anyone can submit a nomination until Monday May 12th – whether you’re an individual, organisation, or the social enterprise itself – as long as the nominee operates in Western Australia. 
  2. How do I know if the organisation I want to nominate qualifies? – all social enterprises in Western Australia can be nominated. Our website directory with over 300 members and supporters is a great place to start.
  3. Can I nominate myself? – yes, we encourage you to do so!
  4. Can I nominate more than one social enterprise? Yes, you can submit nominations for multiple social enterprises in multiple categories, as long as each nomination meets the criteria.
  5. Who judges the awards? The awards are judged by an independent 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.
  6. How do I submit a nomination? Nominations are submitted online by completing the nomination form, providing a statement of impact, and including any supporting evidence.
  7. What should the statement of impact include? The statement (up to 300 words) should highlight how the nominated enterprise has positively impacted WA communities, with a focus on measurable outcomes and specific benefits to people, the environment, or the economy.
  8. What types of supporting evidence can I include? Supporting evidence may include testimonials from community members or partners, case studies, data or statistics demonstrating success, and photos showcasing the enterprise’s impact.
  9. Is it mandatory to submit a video? No, the video is optional. However, a short video (up to 60 seconds) allows the nominee to personally share their impact and can strengthen the nomination.
  10. When and where is the awards ceremony? The awards ceremony and dinner will take place on Thursday, 19 June 2025 at Perth City Farm from 5.30-10pm. All finalists receive a complimentary ticket to the event.
  11. Do I need permission from the social enterprise before nominating them? While not required, it’s encouraged to inform the enterprise of their nomination, especially if they plan to submit optional materials like a video.
  12. Who can I contact if I have questions about the nomination process? For any questions, please contact the WASEC team at awards2025@wasec.org.au

FAQs

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay my/our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

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