Cafe Stepping Stone

The idea of Stepping Stone was born

In 2015, three young Australian friends conceived Cafe Stepping Stone with a mission to use hospitality to change lives. Their experience in the industry showed them how it could rapidly teach skills and welcome diverse backgrounds.

Our first stop? Cartagena, Colombia

In 2017, they established their first cafe in Getsemani, creating a safe space for learning and growth. Over three years, they trained 40+ youth living in poverty, becoming the top breakfast spot in town.

Coming home to Australia

Due to COVID in 2020, the Cartagena cafe closed. Founders Hannah and Vanessa found an opportunity to continue their work closer to home.

Completing a social enterprise accelerator program

In June 2020, they participated in The Mill House Venture social enterprise programs, forming valuable relationships and analyzing their impact narrative.

Our new home? Strathnairn

In August 2020, Stepping Stone found a new home at Strathnairn Arts in West Belconnen, focusing on migrant and refugee women from diverse backgrounds.

Opening our coffee van

From August 2021 to April 2023, they operated a coffee van in Ginninderry’s Display Village, allowing their team to develop skills and work autonomously.

We began catering

Starting in 2020 with small jobs, their catering service grew rapidly, becoming a significant part of their business.

Our second location? Dickson

In August 2023, with ACT Government support, they opened a second location in Dickson.

We started selling cakes

In 2023, they expanded their offerings to include cake sales.

The original Cafe Stepping Stone in Cartagena was a social enterprise fighting inequality by employing and training at-risk local youth from afro-Colombian and indigenous populations. It offered a menu in English and Spanish with vegan and gluten-free options. The cafe became fully vegetarian in September 2019 but reportedly closed in February 2021.