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WASEC Social Enterprise Awards

Celebrate WA’s Changemakers – nominate today!

Across Western Australia, individuals and organisations are driving positive change for our communities, environment, and economy. This 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! Nominate your favourite entrepreneur or business before 2 May 2025. Check out the award categories below and start your nomination today!

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.

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Emerging Social Enterprise Award sponsored by WARRL/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

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.

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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. 

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Nominate Now

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Who are you nominating?
Provide a brief statement (up to 300 words) outlining how the nominee has made a positive difference in WA communities. Focus on measurable outcomes and highlight the specific ways the nominee has benefitted people, the environment, or the economy in WA.
Include any relevant supporting materials that demonstrate the impact of the nominee such as: testimonials from community members, employees, or partners; case studies or examples of their work in action; data or statistics showing the success of their initiatives; Photos that visually capture the impact of their work.
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    Encourage the nominee to submit a short video (no more than 60 seconds) where they personally describe their positive impact. This is optional but provides a valuable opportunity for the nominee to share their story directly.
    Name*
    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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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 – 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.
    7. When do nominations open and close? Nominations open on Friday, 14 March 2025, and close on Friday, 2 May 2025.
    8. When is the awards ceremony? The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 19 June 2025.
    9. Can I nominate more than one social enterprise? Yes, you can submit nominations for multiple social enterprises, as long as each nomination meets the criteria.
    10. 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.
    11. Who can I contact if I have questions about the nomination process? For any questions, please contact the WASEC team at hello@wasec.org.au

    FAQs

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