The City of Fremantle is here to work with you through the successful operation of your business. Whether you need advice, upskilling or networking opportunities, we are here to help.

City of Fremantle's Business Capacity Building Program

The City of Fremantle has developed a Business Capacity Building Program that enables local small businesses to access tailored one-on-one training, support or mentoring from industry experts.   

To encourage and support local businesses further, we are subsidising 80 per cent of the program’s cost.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Business Capacity Building Program, businesses must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• Retail or hospitality business as defined by the Australian Taxation Office (eg clothing store, restaurant, bike shop); and
• A lease on, or ownership of, a bricks and mortar shop in the City of Fremantle (excludes popups); and 
• Business ownership based in City of Fremantle; and
• Small business as defined by Australian Bureau of Statistics (fewer than 20 employees) and the Australian Taxation Office (Annual revenue less than $2million).

Application Process

1. Download the  application form
2. Confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria
3. Select one capacity building stream (more information below)
4. Submit your form to business@fremantle.wa.gov.au
5. Once approved, you'll be connected with your selected service provider

Note that places in the program will be awarded on a "first come, first served" basis for all eligible businesses.

Capacity Building Streams

1. General Business Advice - Business Foundations www.businessfoundations.com.au/business-advice

Cost to business: $100 + GST

Gain general business advice to identify, address and solve issues affecting your business. Business areas covered include: 

• Business/Corporate structure
• Business strategy
• Personal development
• Staff Development / HR Issues
• Specific business challenges or issues

2. Business Performance Assessment (Business HealthCheck) - Business Foundations www.businessfoundations.com.au/businesshealthcheck

Cost to business: $88 + GST

You will receive an independent assessment of your strengths and weaknesses across nine different areas. Plus, you will receive a comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand report inclusive of recommendations outlining the steps required to improve the efficiency and value of your business.

Interested and want to learn more about the Capacity Building Program? Contact the Economic Development team at business@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

To find out more about Business Foundations' programs, businesses can email admin@businessfoundations.com.au or visit their website.

Free monthly forums with the Chamber of Commerce

As part of our Business Capacity Building program, the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of free forums for the local business community. If you missed out, you can find the podcasts of the forums here.

Forum 1: 8.00 am, Monday 6 May 2019 - How to navigate tight cash flow

Forum 2: 8.00 am, Monday 10 June 2019 - How to activate spaces

Forum 3: 8.00 am, Monday 10 July 2019 - Leasing in a challenging market

Forum 4: 8.00 am, Wednesday 7 August 2019 - Cyber security 

Forum 5: 8.00 am, Wednesday 4 September 2019 - 'Experience' - is it a buzz word? 

Forum 6: 8.00 am, Wednesday 2 October 2019 - Getting your product to market

The next free forum is 8.00 am Wednesday 6 November 2019 and will focus on Social media trends, tips, tricks and influencers. Register now.

Workshops with Tourism Council WA

In recognition of the importance of growing the tourism sector, the City will be delivering three free workshops facilitated by Tourism Council WA exclusively for Fremantle tourism businesses. Learn more about the global travel distribution system and how you can leverage it to help grow your tourism business.  There will be a series of three workshops, held at the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce, with each focusing on varying elements of the travel trade and tips on how tourism operators can further develop their products and promote them in new interstate and international markets.  

8 am | Wednesday 9 October | Tourism Fundamentals (duration 2 hours) - Understand and participate in the industry and discover the essential elements to promote your business.
10 am | Wednesday 6 November | Reaching Customers through Distribution (duration 4 hours) - Learn about tourism distribution and the benefits of working with online travel agents, inbound tour operators, wholesalers and visitor centres as well as setting your rates correctly. 
8 am | Wednesday 11 December | Reaching Customers through Distribution and Marketing (duration 4 hours) - A continuation of Workshop 2 as well as the fundamentals of marketing; including a marketing plan, brochures, famils, trade shows etc.

To find out more or register for the workshops please email your name and business details to business@fremantle.wa.gov.au.
It is recommended that all three workshops are attended to gain the full benefits of the program.

Expert business advice

Business Foundations is a non-profit organisation delivering business assistance to small to medium businesses throughout Western Australia. If you are a Western Australian business you are eligible for government-funded support across a wide range of areas, including one-to-one professional advice.

Business Foundations run regular training and workshops on all matters of business, to help improve the performance of your business. For the latest workshop click here.

Connect

Fremantle Chamber of Commerce champions policies and strategies that improve the business environment in Fremantle, enhance community prosperity and develop a sustainable mix of business and lifestyle opportunities for Fremantle’s future. The Chamber acts as an advocate for the business community, a conduit for information and a promoter of Fremantle’s position in the regional landscape.

Workshops

Free workshops in Fremantle

Check out the following free workshops that are on offer for your business:

Business Foundations

• Business Over Coffee: Digital Tools for Business
• Business Over Coffee: Tips for Launching Your Business
• Business Over Coffee: Cashflow

Small Business Development Corporation

• Starting a business

Other opportunities

You might like to keep an eye on the following links for other opportunities to grow your business knowledge at workshops and seminars:

• Fremantle Chamber of Commerce

If you run a tourism business you might like to check out upcoming events with Tourism Council WA.

Traffic Alerts

Adelaide St, High Street mall, High St, Henry St, Marine Tce, Collie St and South Tce will be closed from 1 pm - 5 pm for the Blessing of the Fleet annual procession from Saint Patrick’s Basilica to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour on Sunday 27 October. 

Contact us

Economic Development
E business@fremantle.wa.gov.au
T 08 9432 9999
TTY 08 9432 9777