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!

01.

MANUFACTURERS

02.

FUNDING

03.

SCHOOLS

04.

PROGRAMS

05.

PUBLICATIONS

Manufacturers

NameLocationWho They Are
Shon Simon CoLos Angeles, CAShon 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 VisionsMiami, FloridaFocused on sustainability, EcoTech Visions is Miami’s first green incubator and maker-space.
They assist entrepreneurs in creating, planning, and launching innovative and β€œgreen” 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 & LolaNew York City, New YorkCharlton & 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 GraceNew York City, New YorkFunlayo Grace provides project development, project management and other unique and impactful services that support economic, social and physical gains in black and brown communities
SoHarlemHarlem, New YorkA 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 ShirtLompac, CaliforniaSeed 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 ApparelGeorgiaNamed 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

NameFunding AmountCriteriaHow to Apply
Hello Alice’s Business for All Grant$10-50000Small Business OwnersApplication list is closed, for any questions email at alice@helloalice.com
Harlem Fashion RowTBDDesigners of ColorApplications are accepted on a rolling basis here: https://form.jotform.com/201616286648158
Your Friends in NY Business Reliefstarting at $1000Creative Based Businesses Operated by Minorities & WomenApplications are accepted on a rolling basis here: http://yourfriendsin.nyc/survey.html
SBA 8(a) Business Development ProgramTBDSmall-Businesses That are at Least 51% Opened by U.S. Citizens Who Are β€œEconomically and Socially disadvantaged.”Application FAQ Sheet: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/oed_files/Contracting_8a_Overview.pdf
VISA x IFundWomenVariesWomen Owned Business/CreativeMultiple applications: https://ifundwomen.com/grants/apply-for-grants
WomensNet Amber Grant$4000 Each MonthWomen Owned Business$15 application fee applies: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/
Government GrantsTBDAfrican American Business OwnersApplications 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.

NameLocationPrograms OfferedDepartment Contact
Bowie State University$10-50000Fashion Design
Stevens-The Institute of Business & ArtsSt. Louis, MOFashion Development & Merchandising
Delaware State UniversityDover, DelawareTextile & Apparel Studies
Clark Atlanta UniversityAtlanta, GeorgiaFashion Design, Fashion Merchandising
Howard UniversityWashington D.C.Fashion Design
Washington University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State UniversityGreensboro, North CarolinaFashion Merchandising & Design
Fontbonne UniversitySt.Louis, MOFashion Merchandising