Join WASEC

Social Impact Incubator

Social impact incubator logo. Growing early-stage social enterprises in WA

Overview

The WA Social Enterprise Council (WASEC) is pleased to advise that the Social Impact Incubator 2026 is coming soon. Building on the success of our inaugural 2025 program, this highly subsidised 6 month incubator has been created in collaboration with the local social enterprise community to support early-stage Western Australian based social enterprises.

Drawing on the expertise of WASEC’s member network, the incubator will provide both practical skills and industry connections through expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and real-world engagement. The incubator will provide you with tools, mentors, networks, investment pathways and support to help turn your bold ideas into a sustainable business.

Apply now

Outcomes

This incubator is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, mindset and connections to grow a viable social enterprise with lasting impact. The program will support you to:

  • Clarify your purpose and the problem you’re solving
  • Develop or strengthen your business and impact model
  • Build a clear brand and value proposition
  • Improve financial planning and budgeting skills
  • Explore funding options including grants and investment
  • Understand legal structures, governance, and risk
  • Measure and communicate your social impact
  • Streamline your operational systems, tools and team
  • Prepare and deliver a compelling pitch
  • Connect with mentors, peers, and the WA social enterprise ecosystem
  • Explore opportunities to grow your reach and impact

Schedule

Sessions for the 2026 program will run from approximately April 2026 with exact dates to be confirmed shortly.

Sessions will alternate between in-person workshops at a central Perth City location and online workshops delivered via Zoom. Applicants will need to have access to a computer with video and sound capability and stable internet connection to participate in interactive Zoom workshops.

Participants are expected to attend at least 80% of the sessions including the Pitch night in order to successfully complete the program.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to participate?

This program is open to current or emerging social enterprise founders or co-founders based in Western Australia. For example an impact-driven startup, a social enterprise, or a Not-for-profit with an enterprise arm. It is also suited to committed founders with strong ideas they are ready to develop.

APPLY

How do you apply?

The 2026 program is coming soon. Complete the form below to register your interest and we will be in touch with dates and details.

Apply now

APPLY

Share your expertise in 2026

Are you a business professional, social enterprise founder or subject matter expert? We would love your support as a mentor or guest speaker in our 2026 program. Email us at [email protected] to find out more.

Need some help?

If you have any questions or need help completing your application send us an email. [email protected]

FAQs

What will the program involve?

The Social Impact Incubator is a highly subsidised 6 month program to support Western Australian based early stage social entrepreneurs who have an idea for a new social enterprise, or have launched a social enterprise but are still developing their impact and business model.

How many places are awarded each year?

We intend to award up to 20 places in our 2026 program.

What is included?

Bi-weekly workshops led by experienced social entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, mixing short presentations, Q&A, and practical activities. Sessions will alternate between in-person and online. You’ll also get tools and templates to put ideas into action and wrap up by sharing your pitch at a final showcase event.

What is the time commitment?

The 2026 program is still being finalised.

Where will sessions be held?

Sessions will be held in a Perth CBD location and online via Zoom.

What content will the workshops cover?

Workshops cover all the steps to shape, test and grow your social enterprise — from purpose and problem definition to solutions, business models, branding, funding, impact measurement and pitching. Content is designed to suit you whether you’re starting with an idea or building on an existing venture.

Who can apply for the incubator?

Anyone with an idea for a new social enterprise or expansion to an existing social enterprise operating in Western Australia.

What is a social enterprise?

A social enterprise is a business that exists primarily to fulfil a social, environmental, or cultural mission, reinvesting the majority of its profits back into achieving this purpose.

How are participants selected?

Participants will be chosen based on whether the program is the right fit for their needs and stage of development. If we feel other support would suit you better, we’ll do our best to refer you to other programs or services that can help.

How to apply?

You will need to submit an online application form via the WASEC website. Applications for 2026 are open and closing date to be confirmed.

Can we apply as a team?

Recipients can be individuals or teams of up to two people. While it would be best for both members of the team to complete the entire program we would like at least one founder to attend the full program.

I have participated in another incubator program can I still apply for this one?

Yes if you have participated in another program you are very welcome to apply. The value of this program is not only in the content covered, but also in the connections made with your fellow participants and local social impact network.

Can participants be under 18?

This program is open to those aged 18 years and over at this stage.

Attendance Requirements

Participants are required to attend the introductory session and pitch night as well as 90% of the other sessions offered.

What do I need to access the online sessions?

To make sure you can participate fully in the interactive Zoom workshops you will need to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone as well as a stable internet connection. While tablets and smart phones can access Zoom they may not support the interactive features of the platform.

Minderoo Foundation logo
meshpoints logo
lotterywest logo