Black Fashion Resources & Connections
As we grow our community, i wanted to create a FREE directory for fashion resources and connections that are vital to our industry. I also have a directory specifically for Black in St. Louis Fashion which you can check out here!
Manufacturers
| Name | Location | Who They Are |
|---|---|---|
| Shon Simon Co | Los Angeles, CA | Shon Simon Co is a Black Owed US Manufacturing company that specializes in custom design for all brand needs. As one of the fastest-growing independent manufacturers in the state of California, Shon Industries’ mission is to provide timeless, quality merchandise that reflects the essence of each brand with excellence. They are able to help brands with fabric sourcing, pattern making, and sample building. |
| Eco Tech Visions | Miami, Florida | Focused on sustainability, EcoTech Visions is Miami’s first green incubator and maker-space. They assist entrepreneurs in creating, planning, and launching innovative and “green” manufacturing businesses in South Florida by offering high-quality business resources, maker space, office space, and event space to support the development of products made with recycled materials. |
| Charlton & Lola | New York City, New York | Charlton & Lola is a bespoke fine jewelry experience that creates one-of-a-kind jewels with clients who desire to imagine and create their own fine jewelry pieces. They specialize in wedding fine jewelry and custom private label pieces. |
| Funlayo Grace | New York City, New York | Funlayo Grace provides project development, project management and other unique and impactful services that support economic, social and physical gains in black and brown communities |
| SoHarlem | Harlem, New York | A fully functional manufacturing plant who’s mission is to create equitable opportunities in Harlem through cultural industries workforce development. They provide We provide training to under/unemployed local residents at no cost, professional development for emerging local artisans looking for mentorship, and made-to-measure services for one of a kind garments. |
| Seed 2 Shirt | Lompac, California | Seed 2 Shirt is the first black-woman-owned vertically integrated apparel manufacturing & print on demand company in the US. Our products are ethically and sustainably manufactured from cotton/material from African, and African-American cotton farmers, produced at are small batch production centers in the US and Africa. |
| Fache Apparel | Georgia | Named the First Black-Owned & Operated Full Service Apparel Manufacturer in the United States, Fache Apparel specializes in manufacturing fashion brands for aspiring designers as well as small businesses. |
Funding
| Name | Funding Amount | Criteria | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello Alice’s Business for All Grant | $10-50000 | Small Business Owners | Application list is closed, for any questions email at alice@helloalice.com |
| Harlem Fashion Row | TBD | Designers of Color | Applications are accepted on a rolling basis here: https://form.jotform.com/201616286648158 |
| Your Friends in NY Business Relief | starting at $1000 | Creative Based Businesses Operated by Minorities & Women | Applications are accepted on a rolling basis here: http://yourfriendsin.nyc/survey.html |
| SBA 8(a) Business Development Program | TBD | Small-Businesses That are at Least 51% Opened by U.S. Citizens Who Are “Economically and Socially disadvantaged.” | Application FAQ Sheet: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/oed_files/Contracting_8a_Overview.pdf |
| VISA x IFundWomen | Varies | Women Owned Business/Creative | Multiple applications: https://ifundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants |
| WomensNet Amber Grant | $4000 Each Month | Women Owned Business | $15 application fee applies: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/ |
| Government Grants | TBD | African American Business Owners | Applications are accepted on a rolling basis here: https://www.governmentgrants.us/application/ |
Schools
We have compiled this list to not only help future college students choose where they want to go to pursue their Fashion career, but also to help with sourcing of interns and entry-level employees.
| Name | Location | Programs Offered | Department Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowie State University | $10-50000 | Fashion Design | |
| Stevens-The Institute of Business & Arts | St. Louis, MO | Fashion Development & Merchandising | |
| Delaware State University | Dover, Delaware | Textile & Apparel Studies | |
| Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta, Georgia | Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising | |
| Howard University | Washington D.C. | Fashion Design | |
| Washington University | |||
| North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University | Greensboro, North Carolina | Fashion Merchandising & Design | |
| Fontbonne University | St.Louis, MO | Fashion Merchandising |