|
The CEC understands the unique situation that fashion entrepreneurs face in business. Because of this, we provide individualized assistance to fashion entrepreneurs in the City of Chicago and surrounding metropolitan areas with the Stitches Fashion Program. Through advisory services, such as raising capital and business plan counseling, the CEC helps emerging fashion professionals make the right early-business decisions and growth preparations. The CEC provides a crucial component for fashion entrepreneurs to attain industry success and prepare for future development.
The CEC works with designers and boutiques that specialize in apparel and accessories to overcome these obstacles. Past clients have gained substantial retail and market success. The program is unique in that it pushes for self-initiation among start-ups. This allows the market to dictate business success.
The Stitches Fashion Program aims at fashion entrepreneurs in all stages of development. First, start-up entrepreneurs will receive information specific to running a fashion business in the Midwest. This includes the Fashion First Steps packet and access to educational seminars. The online packet contains information on various aspects to starting and running a fashion business. Each section is written and endorsed by a noted, Chicago, fashion professional.
To gain access to this free packet, click on the button on this page. The information you enter will allow the CEC to track your business success, and better understand your business needs.
The Fashion First Steps Packet contains information on:
- How to register to become a fashion business and other legal advice
- Financing options available for start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs
- How to brand your product
- Creating a website and selling online
- How to market and sell your products, B2B and consumer sales
- How to grab the media’s attention
- Information on fashion community involvement
- Pages of links and resources for fashion entrepreneurs
Beyond start-ups, clients who receive individualized CEC services are typically those that have been in business over two years, who have products in at least five retail locations (or have their own retail location), and sell their products online.
Through these one-on-one services, the CEC works with fashion entrepreneurs on:
- Preparing for and raising capital
- Counsel and review of financial statements
- Financial Modeling
- Assistance in identifying appropriate outside resources
- Company position and messaging
- Channel and market analysis
- Marketing and Public Relations assistance
- Retail and wholesale strategies
Fashion Seminars
The CEC hosts seminars throughout the year that focus on financing fashion businesses. The first seminar includes basics of financing a fashion business. This seminar is geared toward concept and start-up fashion entrepreneurs. The second seminar includes information on financing sources for fashion entrepreneurs. It highlights financial sources for all stages of business.
Prosper.com
Prosper is America's first people-to-people lending marketplace designed to connect those who need cash with people willing to lend it. It is used much like eBay. Instead of listing and bidding on items, people list and bid on loans using Prosper's online auction platform. It is a great resource for fashion entrepreneurs.
|
Stitches Fashion Program News
|
Exposure - A Creative Event Showcasing Chicago Talent
Join the Stitches Fashion Program and over fifteen artists, designers, and partners as we expose what creative talents have been brewing up during Chicago’s winter hibernation. The large amount of creative activity in Chicago continues to grow, and this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the individuals that make this city the true talent pool that it is. Highlighting musicians, artists, designers, and producers, this event will show you that Chicago is home to the next big thing.
Exposure Event Photos
March 20th 7:30 PM
AV-Aerie
|
|
Announcing www.styleexpose.com
The Stitches Fashion Program’s blog is an outlet for us to highlight not only our clients, but more generally those fashion entrepreneurs that are making a difference in Chicago. We want the world to know that Chicago's fashion scene is speeding along, and with help of programs such as the Stitches Fashion Program, this Midwestern town will soon become a great fashion center.
Not only can you learn a new fashion entrepreneur's story each week, you can take a look inside his/her studio or boutique. Also, most of our clients offer special deals and discounts only available through Style Expose Deals section. For those in the industry, you’ll read sound advice by other entrepreneurs about how to run a successful fashion business in Chicago.
Check it out at www.styleexpose.com
|
|
Help the Stitches Fashion Program Learn From You
Take this survey (it will take five minutes tops) to let us know your thoughts on the program. We really appreciate your input. Thank you.
|
|
|
Fashion Focus Chicago catwalks across Millennium Park
The Stitches Fashion Program is proud to be able to showcase Chicago fashion in such a positive light. The link is to an online story featuring Jason Felger of the Stitches Fashion Program discussing the impact of the fashion industry on the City of Chicago. The piece aired on Thursday, October 11th at 5:00 on Channel 7, ABC News.
|
|
The Stitches Fashion Program Runway Show
August 9th, 2007 featuring Lara Miller and Shi-buy Hada
|
|
Stitches Fashion Program featured on Metromix
Watch the video.
|
|
