New York City’s fashion manufacturing industry receives $14 million to expand the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), including a new pilot grant program to encourage American designers increase production and workforce development in New York City.
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced on October 3, 2019 that the FMI expansion plan will launch “local production Fund” (LocalProductionFund). The program will strengthen the matching of designers with points-earning New York City manufacturers, and help participating designers and manufacturers collaborate on the production process.
The “Local Production Fund” uses existing FMI funding funds to structure investment in innovative technologies. Its purpose is to promote the use of this technology and strengthen the establishment of designers. relationships with manufacturers and create a more consistent production for New York manufacturers.
The FMI grant fund was launched in 2013 and has so far helped 33 New York City fashion manufacturers invest in and acquire new machinery and technology, actions that can directly impact Its products and services can greatly increase its customer base and improve business efficiency. FMI’s expansion plan seeks to build its influence and development momentum over the past six years.
To expand training and workforce development opportunities for the next generation of fashion manufacturing companies, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) will also partner with the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) Collaboration with the National Sewing Trades Institute to create customized programs for the New York City workforce.
Through the apprenticeship system and advanced technical training, we see opportunities in technical guidance and on-the-job training. Workforce with Manufacturers programs are available to workers with varying backgrounds, experience and education.
NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett said: FMI helps New York City’s iconic fashion industry prepare for the future by more than doubling its investment to ensure the industry can develop. Sustained and successful. The new expansion will enable substantial growth in critical training, give participants opportunities, and continue to support the growth of New York City’s fashion manufacturing industry.
CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb added: We will continue to address New York City’s diverse and ever-changing needs in production by designing a full suite of programming software to facilitate fashion manufacturing. Business plan will be updated. From building a new customer growth pipeline to worker training, this plan ensures that we can maintain and retain competitiveness at the labor level, which will help consolidate the resources and development of the manufacturer’s overall business.
The FMI expansion is part of a comprehensive plan passed by the New York City Council in December 2018 to support fashion manufacturers in New York’s Garment Center. and allow the area to realize its potential as a mixed-use community, including manufacturing space alongside office, wholesale and showroom functions.
