The To-LEAP program is the brainchild of Trang Du from Two Square Pegs and provides education and mentoring to residents of social housing who have a business or community idea they would like to develop.

With funding awarded in 2022 through Paving the Way Forward (DFFH) and City of Melbourne the TO-LEAP Program was delivered as a partnership between Two Square Pegs and Local Impact. Whilst Two Square Pegs would deliver the training and education, Local Impact could manage and deliver the grants attached to the program, whilst mentoring in the program delivery.

The program has proven to be a transformative force within the North Melbourne and Flemington social housing communities. By providing early-stage enterprises with access to seed funding, workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities, TO-LEAP has empowered individuals to develop the skills and confidence necessary to launch and grow their businesses.

A resounding success, TO-LEAP has yielded impressive results. 100% of surveyed participants reported a significant boost in confidence, while 93% successfully established enterprises. Moreover, over 85% of these businesses are now actively trading and generating revenue.

The program’s impact has extended beyond its direct participants. The positive word-of-mouth generated by the 2023 cohort fuelled significant interest in the 2024 program, with over 80 expressions of interest received to join the second round.

Zibo: A Fashion Revolution

With TO-LEAP’s support, Aziza, a passionate advocate for underrepresented women, launched her fashion brand, Zibo. Through the program’s grant funding, Aziza was able to bring her vision to life by creating design samples, developing a website, sourcing ethical fabrics and partnering with a local manufacturer.

Zibo’s debut collection was showcased at a community fashion event in July 2024, a celebration of local talent and empowerment. Surrounded by her TO-LEAP community, Aziza proudly presented her designs, offering a unique perspective on fashion that had previously been overlooked. The event fostered wider community engagement, strengthened local connections, and provided valuable networking opportunities.

The Rest of Us: Creativity Empowering At-Risk Youth

Launched by TO-LEAP participant and grant recipient Konker Malual, The Rest of Us (TROU) is a dynamic creative collective empowering at-risk youth (12-18 years old). Through workshops in music, poetry, and art, TROU provides a safe space for disadvantaged youth, particularly boys, to express themselves, build confidence, and find their voices.

With the support of grant funding, TROU has successfully executed a series of creative initiatives, including artist development workshops, poetry nights, DJ sets, fundraising events, and music showcases. These programs have not only provided valuable artistic training but have also fostered a sense of community and belonging among participants. TROU’s inclusive approach has empowered underrepresented artists and CALD communities to share their unique stories and perspectives.