If you’re a designer who’s looking to grow your business, apply to FIT’s Design Entrepreneurs 2020, a renowned industry-sponsored program that offers $150,000 in prize monies. The registration deadline is Oct. 31, 2019. The program will help recipients develop business acumen, fine-tune their skills, and help develop a strategic business plan to bring businesses to the next level and help the bottom line.
For emerging brands, FIT Design Entrepreneurs, is an intensive program at the Fashion Institute of Technology that gives designers access to top industry executives, guidance to develop a formal business plan, and the skills they need to successfully run and expand their fashion labels. Prize monies of $100,000 (first place) and $50,000 (second place) will be awarded to the designers who submit top plans. To be eligible, emerging designers in womenswear, menswear, children’s wear, intimate apparel, accessories, and jewelry must have been open for at least one year. The application form and additional information are available online at FIT Design Entrepreneurs.
FITDE was created in 2011 through a partnership between FIT and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. G-III Apparel Group is the program’s lead industry partner. The program kicks off with a reception on Jan. 9, 2020.
The program will include three intensive weekends of instruction. On Saturdays and Sundays in January (Jan. 11/12, 18/19, and 25/26), there will be classes in fashion business marketing, operations and financial management. Throughout the remainder of the program, from February through April, designers will work with industry mentors to complete business plans, build skills at optional workshops, and attend informal salons with iconic fashion figures. All participants will master the art of the pitch, and by program’s end, will have honed their ability to deliver a compelling message. On June 4, 2020, there will be business plan presentations, and after, winners will be announced.
On Nov. 4, 2019, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce will honor four companies at its annual “Best in the Business Awards” gala at Cipriani 25 Broadway. “This year our chamber honors four incredible recipients that have epitomized entrepreneurial innovation and whose successes are inextricably linked to New York City’s overall success,” said Jessica Walker, president and CEO of the Manhattan Chamber.
B michael AMERICA Global, a luxury fashion brand, will receive The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce’s “Company to Watch Award” at their upcoming Nov. 4 gala. Each November, the Chamber hosts and celebrates the “Best in the Business Awards,” which brings together 600 of New York City’s most influential business and civic leaders. They recognize four companies and entrepreneurs for their “above and beyond” achievements, community contributions and milestones.
“Receiving this prestigious award is a proud moment for our luxury fashion brand and company; it also serves as a testament to hard work, grit and never giving up, once you become fearless life becomes limitless,” commented. Michael and Mark-Anthony Edwards. For haute couture designer b Michaels, this award is well deserved. Actress Cicely Tyson will present the award. Other tributes will recognize Melba Wilson, owner of Melba’s Restaurant. Wilson is one of the most successful African American women in the restaurant and catering business. Zola, owner of the wedding planning and registry company, will also be honored. Hudson Yards, a neighborhood-defining real estate development led by Related companies in partnership with Oxford Properties Group, will received the Business of the Year Award.
On Nov. 9, 2019, Florette Vassal’s EVVY Cultural Interchange will honor author/model Shailah Edmonds; printer Patrick Albarano; entertainment editor of the Beacon, Don Thomas and video editor Joseph Lewis. This Amsterdam News fashion editor, Renee Minus White (also the author of “Maybe: My Memoirs”) will receive the EVVY (c) Millennium Lifetime Achievement Award, along with Dr. Barabra Gaba, the first African American president of Atlantic Cape Community College. The prestigious “EVVY” event will take place at the posh Manhattan Club, located at 201 West 52nd St., Manhattan. For more information, email
florettev@gmail.com.