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: How to navigate tight cash flow
• Forum 2: How to activate spaces
• Forum 3: Leasing in a challenging market
• Forum 4: Cyber security
• Forum 5: 'Experience' - is it a buzz word? 
• Forum 6: Getting your product to market
• Forum 7: Social media trends, tips, tricks and influencers

Latest podcast

Forum 8: Wednesday 4 December 2019 - Closing the sale

The most recent forum was held at 8.00 am on Wednesday 5 February focusing on developing a positive workplace culture and the podcast will be released shortly. 

The next free forum will be at 8.00 am Wednesday 4 March and will focus on creating attractions and events.

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 and opportunities

Free workshops in Fremantle

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

Business Foundations

• Tuesday 11 February - How to have a website that works for you 24/7
• Tuesday 18 February - Social Media One - Setting up your accounts
• Tuesday 18 February - Social Media Two - How to use social media to grow your business

Small Business Development Corporation

• Starting a business

Other opportunities

Keep an eye on the following links for other opportunities to grow your business knowledge at workshops and seminars:

• Fremantle Chamber of Commerce
• Accelerating Commercialisation grant program by business.gov.au. The business.gov.au website is a service of the Business Entry Point Initiative.The Initiative is funded by the Australian Government and coordinated by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS).

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

Traffic Alerts

Laneway Festival: Sunday 9 February, Marine Terrace, Warden Lane, Cliff Street and Mouat Street will be closed from 11 am - 10 pm for Laneway Festival at Esplanade Reserve. 

Notre Dame O Day & Commencement Parade: Wednesday 12 February, Mouat Street and Croke Street will be closed from 6 am - 6 pm for the Notre Dame O Day events. There will be a rolling closure for the parade on Marine Terrace, Collie Street, South Terrace and High Street from 10 am. 

Highway to Hell (Perth Festival): Sunday 1 March, from 4 pm Canning Highway; Canning Bridge – Queen Victoria Street/Bridge will be closed for the Perth Festival's Highway to Hell event. 

Contact us

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