Fremantle has long been known for its creative spirit, strong community culture and independent thinkers. Through the Propel Fremantle Accelerator Fund, that energy is being channelled into structured support for early-stage ventures ready to take their next leap.
Supported through Catalyst funding via Meshpoints (backed by Spacecubed and Lotterywest), the Propel Fremantle Accelerator Fund was designed to strengthen Fremantle’s position as a growing innovation hub. The program backs ventures aligned with the region’s strengths, including blue economy, sustainability, immersive technology, creative industries and social enterprise, by providing targeted funding, mentoring and ecosystem connections.
As Fremantle Chamber of Commerce (FCC) CEO Chrissie Maus explains, “Propel was created to bridge the gap for early-stage businesses who have the ideas and drive, but need tailored funding, mentoring and connections to take their next big step. We’re backing founders who believe innovation works best when it’s deeply connected to community.”
A Community-Led Model for Early-Stage Growth
The 2025 Propel program awarded nine grants to ventures across the Greater Fremantle region, each selected through a transparent and equitable assessment process delivered in partnership with For Blue.
Rather than large, complex funding structures, Propel embraced a fast, light-touch model. Smaller grants were paired with high-trust accountability and strong network support, enabling founders to direct funding where it mattered most for their growth.
This approach delivered outsized impact. “Fremantle is the ideal place for startups because of its strong, diverse business community who genuinely welcome newcomers and surround them with support, advice and introductions,” says Chrissie. “If recipients aren’t already based here, we want them to seriously consider moving here, not just for the lifestyle, but to tap into the expertise and partnerships on offer.”
Tangible Outcomes Across Diverse Sectors
The nine funded initiatives spanned tech, sustainability, design, food innovation, circular economy ventures and social enterprise, demonstrating the breadth of innovation emerging from Fremantle.
Across the cohort, founders reported increased adaptability and entrepreneurial resilience, greater confidence to move from concept to action, new cross-sector collaborations and improved visibility and commercial traction.
The grants acted as both a catalyst and a confidence signal. Beyond financial support, recipients gained access to free Fremantle Chamber of Commerce membership, industry networking events, mentoring and strategic introductions and ecosystem exposure and storytelling support.
Over 100 individuals were positively impacted through workshops, networking events and community programming generated by the funded projects.
The ripple effects extended beyond individual ventures. Local businesses, mentors and creative collaborators within the Chamber network engaged with recipients, deepening ties across Fremantle’s innovation ecosystem.
Chrissie reflects, “This grant hasn’t just funded nine projects, it’s sparked momentum, grown capability and reconnected our community to what’s possible when you back local talent.”
The program culminated in a flagship Propel Showcase event in September, which spotlighted the nine grant recipients and celebrated local innovation at its finest.
The Showcase was more than a closing event, it became a strategic storytelling platform that attracted investors, partners and key stakeholders, amplified founder visibility across the region, and reinforced Fremantle’s position as a growing innovation hub.
Chrissie reflected, “The Showcase wasn’t just about celebrating nine projects, it was about demonstrating what’s possible when you back local founders with belief and the right connections. The energy in the room proved that Fremantle isn’t just talking about innovation, we’re actively building it.”
Through support from Meshpoints, Propel Fremantle demonstrates how modest, well-designed grants, when combined with strong connectors and storytelling, can unlock meaningful ecosystem impact.
By fuelling early-stage ventures and strengthening place-based innovation, Propel Fremantle is helping position the Fremantle as a recognised contributor to WA’s evolving innovation landscape.
Meshpoints is now inviting new initiatives through our Promotion & Storytelling Challenge, supporting projects that lift the visibility, confidence and credibility of WA’s innovation ecosystem. Expressions of interest are open until March 25 — explore the Challenge and apply here.
