Venture Programme
This is targeted at designer businesses, which have typically been established four seasons or more. They will usually have at least 1 full time member of staff, with back up from freelancers and interns. They may also have a business manager. The label’s sales will generally be under £100k p.a., and will have around 10-20 stockists. The label will also have a high press profile and will be creating significant interest from buyers. The Centre for Fashion Enterprise is committed to alliances across the fashion industry, and Venture designers are often also engaged with London Fashion Week’s New Generation scheme.
The Venture Programme extends across two years/four seasons. Designers who have been on the programme have generally been able to demonstrate great growth and business sustainability as a direct benefit from their time with CFE. A full business review takes place every season with the CFE team to ascertain progress and plan ahead.
The Venture Programme provides cash subsidies into supported business (towards collection development, specialist business software, PR, accountancy and EU trademark registration in partnership with Olswang). Coaching and business growth advice is provided by the CFE team and a studio space may be available. The Programme is bespoke to each and every business and focuses on the designer’s vision, ambition and operations. It is only the ability of the designer to work openly together with CFE that allows CFE to add value to their business
An indicative business support programme could include:
- advice on brand development and marketing strategies
- business mentoring
- advice on cash flow management
- sales analysis and international development
- advice on production issues and costing strategies
- identifying, and advice on, consultancy, sponsorship and licensing opportunities
- advice on potential sources of funding
- assistance with brokering relationships with UK and international sales agents
- advice on catwalk vs presentation and exhibition, production
The Centre for Fashion Enterprise is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and part of the Solutions for Business “Innovation, Advice and Guidance” package of publicly funded business support products and services designed to help companies start and grow.
