NEW YORK, MAY 29, 2012—New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) announced the selection of the 35 New York City-based fashion companies that will make up the inaugural class of Design Entrepreneurs NYC, a free, intensive, “mini-MBA” program that will equip select New York City-based fashion designers with the skills needed to successfully run a fashion label.

Classes will be taught at FIT by FIT faculty and other industry professionals and will focus on fashion business marketing, operations and financial management.

Selected from a field of 165 applicants, the 35 designers were required to have New York City-based companies that have been in business for at least one year; the majority of the selected participants have been in business for less than four years.

Design Entrepreneurs NYC is one of six initiatives that resulted from Mayor Bloomberg’s Fashion.NYC.2020 plan, which is designed to sustain and grow the fashion industry in New York. The Fashion.NYC.2020 initiatives address the industry’s challenges in two ways: by further positioning the City as a hub of innovation for emerging designers as well as specialty and multi-channel retail, and by attracting the next generation of design, management and merchant talent.

“The overwhelming interest in Design Entrepreneurs NYC is further proof of the demand for critical business training that exists within New York City’s design community,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Seth W. Pinsky. “Thanks to this innovative program, these 35 participating designers will be able to hone their business skills and develop new techniques, allowing them to become integral players in this growing sector.”

Additionnaly, Design Entrepreneurs NYC participants will have free access to a number of FIT resources, including workshops, personal tours of The Museum at FIT, and lectures by iconic fashion figures. Jeanette Nostra, president of G-III Apparel Group, will serve as FIT’s Executive in residence for the program. Drawing on her wide-ranging experience, Ms. Nostra will serve as a mentor to the program’s students and will assist in reviewing the curriculum, bringing in guest speakers, and hosting program events.

For more information about Design Entrepreneurs NYC, visit www.designentrepreneursnyc.com

[MARIE-CHARLES]

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