Resources for Creative Entrepreneurs

We all know how difficult it can be to navigate the waters of entrepreneurship. I am here to tell you that although the road to greatness may feel lonely at times, you don’t have to go at it alone! Below are a few resources that you should definitely consider taking advantage of as you build your empire.

Some of these organizations and programs you may have heard of before and some may be brand new to you. I curated this list based on my own experience working with some of these organizations and will continue to update this list as I receive feedback from you on your experiences.

ByBlack is a 501(c)(3) organization, developing everyday solutions to the generational problems of the Black economic agenda. Their mission is to create meaningful economic opportunities for Black people through the Black businesses in our communities. They achieve this goal by building bold tools and strategic partnerships that enable Black enterprises to grow and thrive. You can become certified and listed as a Black-owned business and gain access to other resources. 

The Tory Burch Foundation empowers women and women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education and digital resources.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help small businesses grow and create jobs by providing them with greater access to education, capital, and business support services. To date, more than 12,800  business owners have graduated from the program across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

Through the program, you will gain practical skills across topics such as financial statements negotiation, marketing, and employee management, and gain the tools to develop a customized business plan for growth—for free.

Black Ambition Prize is a non-profit initiative working to close the opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship. The organization invests capital and resources in high-growth startups founded by Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. Subscribe to their newsletter for updates on the next prize. 

The Workshop at Macy’s The Workshop at Macy’s is the retail industry’s longest running vendor accelerator program dedicated exclusively to diverse -, Women -, LGBTQ-, persons with disabilities- & veteran-owned enterprises. Through a comprehensive retail curriculum and mentoring program from Macy’s, Inc.’s top executives and industry partners, The Workshop at Macy’s sets the stage for the next level of sustained growth for underrepresented retail businesses.

RAISEfashion is a non-profit network of fashion industry leaders that provides pro bono consulting to Black-owned brands and individuals, with a mission to advance the equity of Black talent. They host a number of programs including the Brand Fellowship and Open Access program, which provides 1-on-1 support and guidance to fashion brands as they start and grow their brands to scale. They also periodically provide grants. RAISEfashion has also worked with Black-owned brands to develop showrooms during New York Fashion Week.

Harlem's Fashion Row is the premier agency creating a bridge between brands and designers of color in fashion through brand strategy, collaborations, new media, experiential marketing, recruiting, and pipeline programs. Harlem's Fashion Row has partnered with Target, Marriott International, Verizon, Prudential, Covergirl, Pandora jewelry, Nissan, Macy's, Dark & Lovely, Coca-Cola, ESSENCE Magazine, AOL, BET, and more. They also have HFRIcon360, the non-profit arm of the organization that provides funding to Black Fashion Designers and HBCU fashion programs.

Black in Fashion Council: Their vision is to represent and secure the advancement of Black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry. To create workforces where Black people are represented and amplified at every level, holding jobs in both C-suite and junior-level positions, and can work alongside allies to create diverse spaces that directly reflect what the world actually looks like at large. They also host a showroom for designers during each fashion week at Spring Studios - where the official New York Fashion Week shows take place. They don't update their website that often, but it may be a good idea to sign up for their listserv here and follow them on Instagram here.

The Fifteen Percent Pledge: Founded by Black fashion designer, Aurora James during the 2020 Black Lives Matter Movement, the Fifteen Percent Pledge encourages retailers to reserve at least 15% of their shelf space for Black-owned businesses, as Black people make up 15% of the U.S. population. You can potentially be featured on their website, in the showrooms they host, or become a member of their Business Equity Community. They also provide grants to Black-owned grants through their Achievement Awards. They often post about grants for Black-owned brands on Instagram.

Council of Fashion Designers of America is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962, whose membership consists of 474 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers. The mission of the CFDA is to strengthen the impact of American fashion globally by amplifying creative excellence, business longevity, and positive impact. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate not-for-profit organization, which was created to raise funds for charity and industry activities. The CFDA provides many resources and education to aspiring and emerging fashion designers including the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

U.S. Small Business Administration the nation's federal agency tasks with providing entrepreneurs with counseling, capital, and access to government contracts. This link will take you directly to their "Local Assistance" page where you can type in your zip code and gain access to services that are in your area including free workshops, free business services, and information pertaining to grants. I worked for the SBA for years before I started my firm, so I have firsthand knowledge on the many resources available through the agency which is not common knowledge to most, so please take advantage!

The Service Corps of Retired Executives is a non-profit organization that provides free business coaches (they call them mentors) who are retired entrepreneurs or business executives. I've personally used this program and found it very helpful. Click here and type in your zip code to get matched with a mentor or peruse the website for other resources.

Takeaways

I know these are a lot of organizations to sift through and I don’t want you to get overwhelmed. I suggest you choose a couple of organizations that resonate with you and explore working with them. Never forget - this journey is a marathon, not a race. Take your time. Complete all the necessary steps to participate in the different programs, and get the free/low-cost resources these organizations provide!

If you check out any of the resources I’ve shared, I’d love to hear how your experience is working with them. Feel free to email any feedback you have ashley@thecloudlawfirm.com.

Cheers!

Ashley

Your Fashion Attorney™