THE GDA, BDC Partners & Services (2023)
Looking to learn more about the Garment District Alliance (GDA) and their incredible Business Development Collaborative (BDC) program? Look no further! In this brief overview, we'll take a closer look at the innovative BDC program and the amazing BDC Partners who make it all possible.
At the heart of this program is a focus on supporting the thriving business community in the Garment District. From tailor-made solutions to unparalleled support, the BDC Partners are truly outstanding in their efforts to help businesses in the area succeed. So, let's dive in and learn more about this game-changing program and the people behind it!
THE GARMENT DISTRICT ALLIANCE
Website: https://garmentdistrict.nyc
The Garment District Alliance is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1993 to improve the quality of life and economic vitality of Manhattan’s Garment District. Through programs in the areas of streetscape improvements, sanitation and public safety, marketing and promotions, economic development, and community service, the Garment District Alliance partners with local building owners and businesses to enhance the vibrancy of this storied Midtown Manhattan neighborhood.
GDA’s BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE (BDC) PROGRAM
Official BDC Program Page: Business Development Collaborative
BDC Program Year 1 Report / Year 2 Report
The Garment District Alliance launched the Business Development Collaborative Program in 2019 to promote business development and competitiveness in the neighborhood. The program is a multi-year, multi-million dollar investment that brings together innovative partners through a competitive selection process to provide training, consulting, networking, and advisory services to businesses, entrepreneurs, and workers in the district.
THE BDC PARTNERS & PROGRAM SERVICES
FIT
Jacqueline Jenkins (jacqueline_jenkins1@fitnyc.edu)
Websites: https://citysource.fitnyc.edu and fitnyc.edu
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)'s Center for Continuing and Professional Studies provides education and training for learners of all skill levels
The Center offers workforce development support to adult learners, who can earn certificates in areas of interest to improve their skills and better meet the demands of their current employment or industry
Program Features
Professional Certification Program in Sustainability Reporting
Introduction to Cloth 3D: An online webinar course and guided training by instructors for digital upgrade training
CitySource: A well-curated, semi-annual live tradeshow showcasing Garment District businesses and their industrious work
Networking events and behind-the-scenes virtual tours of businesses and factories
Online guest speakers in the fashion industry covering business, manufacturing, design, and more
Q&A sessions with industry experts
Pop-up shops on the FIT campus, featuring Garment District businesses and designers
NEST
Rosie Avolio-Toly (rosie@buildanest.org)
Nicole Franklin (nicole@buildanest.org)
Website: https://buildanest.org/programs/makersunited
Nest is a 17-year-old nonprofit organization committed to promoting sustainable growth and creative relationships between artisans and service providers in the industry
Prioritizes engagement with partners that promote gender equity and economic inclusion, advocating for transparency and opportunities for craftspeople and handworkers
Nest’s global network consists of more than 2,000 artisan businesses, of which more than 1,400 are located in the US and are members of Makers United—Nest’s US-based program
Nest’s Maker's United Program provides free programming including workshops, marketplace activations, and local partnerships with business and entrepreneurship programs to support maker entrepreneurs’ businesses
Nest’s Ethical Handcraft and Compliance Program certifies businesses that meet ethical production, sustainability, and workplace equity standards
Program Features
Nest program in Year 3 has two primary components:
Survey 50+ Garment District businesses to learn more about issues related to workforce retention and recruitment in order to develop a report that outlines possible solutions or approaches for how the BDC and GDA can address those challenges.
Continued implementation of their Ethical Handcraft and Compliance Program in the Garment District with up to eight businesses (three Garment District businesses were certified in Year 2 of Business Development Collaborative (BDC) program
a. Survey businesses to learn more about their interest, availability and fit to participate in the program
b. Provides information on compliance and certification programs related to ethical production, sustainability practices, and workplace equity
c. Reviews businesses to determine compliance and best practices are in place
d. Offers training on worker rights, fair compensation, health and safety, and remediation
e. Conducts an end-of-year compliance review and identifies opportunities for improvements
f. Businesses who perform well on the assessment will be certified and may gain access to Nest’s Seal of Ethical Handcraft
SHIFTERR
Tracey Hobbs (tracey@getshifterr.com)
Website: https://www.getshifterr.com
Focuses on the Hospitality Service industry, which includes restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses
Curates and matches job seekers with businesses to fill employment shifts
Provides training and support for new talent to improve job skills and enhance career prospects
Finds solutions for labor shortages and challenges faced by businesses
Offers workshops for job seekers and businesses, with a focus on the hiring side to improve recruitment and retention strategies.
Program Features
Class Training Program: prepares job seekers to present themselves as professionals, develop resumes, and succeed in the hospitality service industry
One-on-one Consulting: provides businesses with personalized advice on how to brand themselves, find and retain talent, optimize operations and management
Networking event (Career Fair): connects job seekers with businesses, allowing them to apply, interview, and ask questions about employment opportunities
Workshops for job seekers and businesses (hiring side): offers training and support for new talent, and finds solutions for labor shortages and challenges.
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
Ann Mariko Walter (awalter8@kent.edu)
Website:
www.kent.edu/fashion/NYCFashion
Kent State is a well-known top-tier public research university located in Ohio
Includes the top-ranked School of Fashion, which offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Curriculum emphasizes the importance of studying in global fashion capitols and requires students to participate in a study away or abroad program
The NYC Fashion study away campus is located in the heart of the Garment District in New York City
Program Features
NYC Fashion Study Away Program
Offers classes and programming to approximately 150 fashion students a year
Students gain insight and work experience by engaging with industry professionals and Garment District businesses during classes, at Fashion Week, and at internships
The school offers multiple spaces which are available for Garment District businesses to hold various events
NYC Fashion venue space is available for workshops, studios, presentations, meetings, lectures, and more
CUSTOM COLLABORATIVE
Ngozi Okaro. (info@customcollaborative.org)
Website: www.customcollaborative.org
Non-profit social enterprise that focuses on entrepreneurship and workforce development in New York City
Empowers women from low-income and immigrant communities to launch a fashion career
Offers workshops, coaching, and apprenticeships to build necessary skills
Provides advanced skills training to support Garment District businesses
Offers job placement from a pool of skilled and well-connected talent
Aims to produce a new generation of inclusive and creative designers for the future of fashion in NYC
Program Features
Coursework and MWBE training (4 parts)
Sustainability certification and how businesses can utilize it
Internship and Apprenticeship Programs for Garment District businesses
Internship Program: 6-24 weeks, 3 days a week
Apprenticeship Program: 9-month engagement, 4 days a week
Apprentices will be hired permanently by the business after successful completion of their apprenticeship program
Includes transportation and stipend for program participants
Eligible businesses must provide safety and equity inclusion training for interns and apprentices
ITAC
Andy Ward (award@itac.nyc)
Corey Pickett (copickett@itac.nyc)
Website: https://itac.nyc/garment-district-business-best-practice-program
ITAC is a business advisement firm that serves manufacturing companies across NYC’s five boroughs
Through this program, ITAC has served over 60 Garment District businesses, providing expert consultation on key business issues such as strategic business planning, sales and marketing, operations, financial strategy, technology solutions, and more
Customized solutions and innovative strategies help manufacturers improve their top and bottom lines, achieve their goals, and grow their business
Committed to promoting sustainable practices in an ever-evolving industry through efficient production methods, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing
Program Features
One-on-one tailored consulting: through discovery sessions, ITAC works with businesses to understand pain points and areas where additional expert support is needed – this includes business strategy and growth planning, financial planning, sales and marketing efforts, website optimization, HR, recruitment, and more. Up to eight hours of specialized one-on-one consulting are then provided to help address a particular need.
Marketing assistance: In addition to one-on-one consulting with an expert, program participants will work with a marketing strategist. Areas of focus include social media, email marketing, branding and content, and other digital marketing efforts.
Faces of the Garment District: A profile is written on each participant, sharing their story and allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the business. This serves as a powerful marketing tools that businesses often choose to share with their clients and partners.
Faces of the Garment District: A profile is written on each participant, sharing their story and allowing readers to gain a better understanding of the business. This serves as a powerful marketing tools that businesses often choose to share with their clients and partners.
MADE IN NYC
Taylor Novick-Finder (taylor@madeinnyc.org)
Website: https://madeinnyc.org/learninglab
"Made in NYC" is a Pratt Center for Community Development initiative
The program provides support to makers and manufacturers across the five boroughs through workshops and creative services offered by school faculty members
Local manufacturers and makers have access to marketing and branding resources, as well as skill-building opportunities
The program has over 1500 members, offering a supportive community of industry peers to help grow their companies and leverage world-class expertise
Program Features
B2B Sales Growth for Garment Manufacturers is a B2B Sales Growth program for manufacturing businesses. Additional details and program schedule can be found on their website’s program page.
Internship Program: Matches eight Garment District businesses with students for marketing and communications internships. The applications for the current program year have closed, and will be available again in the next cycle
The Factory Photography Program is accepting applications for the summer cohort until June 30th. The program creates factory profiles for participants, which are showcased at networking events. Summer cohort profiles will be featured at the fall event. Additionally, the program provides 1.5 hours of photography services, including commercial space, team photos, and product shots, to help businesses improve their branding and marketing efforts.
Networking Events: Two networking events will be available for manufacturers, businesses, entrepreneurs, craftsmen, designers, and BDC partners to connect and collaborate. One on June and the other on November.
E-Com Fashion
Allen Ray Sales (allen@e-comfashion.com)
Website: https://www.e-comfashion.com/gdas-bdc-program
E-Com Fashion offers one-on-one e-commerce consultation to Garment District businesses
Access to an online library of supplemental resources, including webinars and downloads to aid in business development
Strategies tailored to help businesses grow and succeed in the digital space, amidst a highly competitive market
Provides comprehensive support to help businesses grow and thrive online
Serves a wide range of industries, not just fashion, due to the diverse service offerings, including online marketing, lead generation, website development, SEO, and more.
Program Features
One-on-one E-Commerce Consulting:
Website development/rebranding
Increasing wholesale/online retail sales and conversions
Branding and optimizing your online Shopify store
Social media marketing (including paid ads)
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Building your team
Lead generation, and more
Online Educational Resource Library (OERL):
Access to webinars and workshops
Publications and research papers
Free downloadable support materials to complement one-on-one consulting