Nominations Open for Fremantle’s Biggest Celebration of Business
Every business wants to be there. Every business hopes to hear its name called. Every year, the journey begins with a nomination and finally… the wait is over.
Nominations for the 2026 Fremantle Business Awards are now open, with the people who know Freo best invited to decide who deserves the spotlight.
From the Cappuccino Strip and neighbourhood main streets to boardrooms, workshops, galleries, museums, the Prison, the Quay and the Indian Ocean, every corner of Fremantle's business community has a story worth celebrating.
Nominations officially open at 12pm, Monday 10 August and close at 12pm sharp on Wednesday 9 September 2026. But don’t drop your gelato, this isn’t a one-vote-and-done kind of deal. There’s a two-stage voting process, giving the public the power to nominate and then vote again for the shortlisted finalists.
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce CEO Chrissie Maus says it best:
“For many local businesses, the opening of nominations marks one of the most anticipated moments on the business calendar. Enquiries begin rolling in months before nominations open, reflecting the prestige the awards have earned as Fremantle's highest business honour.
“But the businesses that make Freo great don't nominate themselves, they're nominated by the people who know them best.
“Every nomination and every vote helps recognise the businesses that make our port city vibrant, welcoming and proudly So Freo. So, rally your friends, your family, your colleagues and your customers, and get behind your favourite local businesses.
“We’re rolling out the red carpet for the best of the best.”
Fifteen award categories showcase the breadth and diversity of Fremantle's business community, recognising excellence across hospitality, retail, tourism, accommodation, beauty and wellness, creative industries, property, sustainability, entertainment, professional services, community organisations and the ocean economy. The awards will also honour an outstanding business professional, while another iconic local business will join the prestigious Fremantle Hall of Fame, recognising businesses that have been helping shape Fremantle for more than a decade.
“Last year's Fremantle Business Awards saw a record number of nominations, highlighting just how strongly our community gets behind local business," said City of Fremantle CEO Glen Dougall.
"The City is proud to continue as major sponsor of the Fremantle Business Awards, celebrating the businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations helping shape Fremantle's future.
"These awards recognise the innovation, resilience and commitment that our local businesses demonstrate every day. They also remind us that when local businesses thrive, Fremantle thrives.
“I encourage everyone to nominate the businesses they value most and help make this year's awards the biggest celebration yet of Fremantle business," Mr Dougall added.
Once the nomination window closes, the Finalist Voting Round kicks off from 12pm Monday 14 September to 12pm Friday 2 October 2026. So, get in early, make your nomination count and then vote for your favourite finalists to help crown Fremantle's best.
The annual sell-out Business Awards Gala will be held on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges.
“Last year's gala was the biggest in the awards' history,” said Fremantle Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Ivan Dzeba.
“For 2026, the Chamber is raising the bar once again with an even larger celebration of Fremantle business, where hundreds of business icons will come together for the city's premier black-tie business event.
“This event embraces the theme "So Freo", not simply as a styling concept, but as a celebration of the city's unmistakable identity. Bold. Creative. Independent. Authentic. The evening will reinterpret everything locals love about Fremantle through an unforgettable event experience, while celebrating the businesses that embody the same spirit every day.
“Think of the businesses you couldn't imagine Fremantle without. Now nominate them. “
Jacqueline Comb, General Manager at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, said:
"There's something incredibly special about seeing Fremantle's business community come together under one roof to celebrate its achievements. The pride, excitement and sense of community in the room is something you have to experience.
"We're thrilled to once again host the Fremantle Business Awards and can't wait to welcome guests for what promises to be the biggest and most memorable celebration yet.”
Each category winner takes home a $3,000 marketing package, and just by voting, you could win some Freo-cash too.
Don’t sit this one out. Nominate here. Vote. Celebrate.
The 2026 Fremantle Business Awards are proudly presented by the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce with Major Sponsor the City of Fremantle, and valued partners Westpac, PerthNow and Little Creatures. Together, these organisations are helping recognise, celebrate and champion the businesses that make Fremantle one of Western Australia's most vibrant and distinctive business communities.
KEY DATES
Ticket Sales: Now Open
Nominations Open: Now Open
Nominations Close: 12:00pm, Wednesday 9 September 2026
Finalist Voting Opens: 12:00pm, Monday 14 September 2026
Finalist Voting Closes: 12:00pm, Friday 2 October 2026
Awards Gala: Thursday 8 October 2026 at Esplanade Hotel Fremantle
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Chrissie Maus
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce
📧 cmaus@fremantlechamber.com.au
📞 0408 090 392