This report presents the impact and case studies of the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) program delivered by Space2b Social Design in St Kilda, Victoria. Space2b is an art and design social enterprise supporting migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum to build confidence, skills and pathways to economic participation. Its model addresses both social isolation and barriers to employment. 

The SPACE2b Experience supports women from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds to gain employment or become self-employed. By pairing participants with volunteers, the program helps build work skills, improve English, foster social connections, and boost confidence, creating pathways to start a business or gain paid work. 

The evaluation demonstrates the critical importance of the EPRI program to engage those most vulnerable, including people experiencing trauma, low skills and self-esteem, limited English and fear of participation by providing a safe, welcoming environment where trust and confidence can be built.

The program supports participants along a non-linear journey from isolation to employment or self-employment, recognising early steps, such as building confidence, connections and basic English as critical outcomes. Case studies across each pathway demonstrate the program’s depth of impact.