- Aileen Yu
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On January 9, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) launched FIT
Design Entrepreneurs, an open-to-anyone “mini-MBA” program that provides
specially selected designers the business acumen, resources, and community
to grow their companies. The program culminates in a final live pitch event
in front of a panel of fashion industry veterans with a 150,000 US dollars
in prizes. Since 2011, FIT’s Design Entrepreneurs has helped 202 companies
across the country including Chromat, Thistle & Spire, Eckhaus Latta, David
Hart, Haus Alkire, Abasi Rosborough and more. The event was attended by
incoming candidates such as Victoria Hayes (Victoria Hayes Collection),
Jameel Mohammed (KHIRY), and Moya Annece (Ashya), FIT president Dr. Joyce
F. Brown, FIT DE alumna Nora Gardner.
The newly chosen designers will attend a series of specialized
workshops, and networking salons to learn how to develop effective business
plans and strategies in order to help ensure the future success of their
lines. Based on areas of expertise, leading fashion industry professionals
will be paired with the designers as mentors throughout the FIT DE program.
In a final event in June, notable judges will evaluate each designer’s
business plan to select four finalists. With support from founding sponsor
G-III Apparel Group, LTD, and other fashion companies, the top two
finalists will be awarded 100,000 US dollars and 50,000 US dollars
respectively, to help grow their businesses.
Photo: courtesy of Fashion Institute of Technology
