Fashion Manufacturing Initiative

The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) supports local fashion manufacturing and promotes inclusive economic growth throughout New York City’s fashion industry.

A Partnership for Local Manufacturers

Part of the City’s Made in NY: Fashion initiative, FMI started as a $6 million public-private partnership fund by NYCEDC and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Since its launch, we have scaled the program to become a $14 million partnership reinvesting in the supply chain of tomorrow that was built for New York City’s fashion industry. The program is created with multiple components:

• Innovation Grants: Production grants available to NYC-based fashion manufacturers to purchase equipment, make capital and technology upgrades, and relocation grants. See grant recipients.
• Workforce Development: Provides talent pipeline and opportunities for fashion manufacturing workforce to hone their skills and increase opportunities with new equipment and technologies in the fashion manufacturing supply chain.

• Local Production Stabilization: Working with New York City design and brand talent to create and build relationships with local manufacturers, the program will bridge opportunities for brands to make their product locally.
• Programs & Collaborations: A series of programs and collaborations to support FMI grant winners and the New York City manufacturing community, hosted in partnership with industry leaders and experts. Read more about FMI programs.
• Production Database: A user-friendly, searchable online database that catalogs New York City fashion production companies to connect designers to local factories. Explore the database.