Do you want to grow and scale your business? Apply to be part of the Fashion Zone!
As Toronto Metropolitan University’s incubator for fashion-inspired businesses, we support students and entrepreneurs who are committed to pushing the boundaries of their own ventures and the industry. This winter, we are opening our applications for our winter intake so make sure to apply!
Who are we, the FZ?
As part of TMU’s approach to experiential learning, the Fashion Zone promotes entrepreneurship as a career path for students and budding entrepreneurs with an interest in fashion, design, and technology. We support creators with wisdom, mentorship, and community to explore, innovate and thrive in the fashion ecosystem while accelerating the likelihood of success for new companies and social ventures.
We support creators with wisdom, mentorship, and community to explore, innovate and thrive in the fashion ecosystem while accelerating the likelihood of success for new companies and social ventures.
Who are you, and is FZ right for you?
If any of the following apply to you, the Fashion Zone may be the next big step forward for your fashion business:
- I aspire to bring something new and unexpected to the fashion industry
- I am a Canadian company looking to grow/scale my business
- I have a product, service, technology, or social impact I want to develop
- I have a business plan
- I have at least a sample/prototype of my idea
- I may have some sales and traction
Memberships and Benefits
Membership Description
Our incubator program is geared towards fashion start-ups and entrepreneurs between ideation and commercialization who are seeking support in pushing their products/services into the market.
Company Membership: Apply as a Founder or Co-Founders to incubate your business. Available for both current TMU students and external applicants.
Associate Membership: Apply as an intern to work under one of the Fashion Zone’s existing companies to gain entrepreneur and startup skills and knowledge. Available strictly to current TMU students only. Must be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident to qualify.
Benefits
- Exclusive access to industry grade equipment and software, including CAD software, sewing machines, drafting tables, and more.
- Education from our Design Technician to learn how to draft and digitize patterns, and create tech packs for manufacturing.
- Access to one-on-one mentorship meetings with our network of over 100 industry advisors, current companies, and alumni.
- Reserved access to programs, events, and workshops.
- Access to members-only discounts and services, including Shopify, Quickbooks, and more.
Online Resources
- Access to the Fashion Zone Start-up Toolkit - our database of useful business tools and presentations of Fashion Zone workshops.
- Access to trends research and forecasting tools from the University Library.
- Access to online business support services, legal clinics, events, student interns, etc.
- See full Online Resources List
Industry Perks
- Professional services (sales, financial, legal, and marketing services).
- Prototyping and manufacturing facilities.
- News and online learning, including a Business of Fashion membership
- See full Industry Perks List
Find more information on our website under Become a Member!
Application Process
If you’re feeling inspired by what we offer, then you’ve passed the first test. To complete your application, please complete the following steps:
- Apply online starting December 12th, 2022. Applications close on January 13th, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
- Screening - your application will be reviewed in an initial screening process.
- Interview - successful applicants will be invited to pitch to and interview with the Fashion Zone team.
- Offer - successful interviewees will receive their offer of acceptance.
- Onboarding - Attend an Onboarding session to learn about the full program and meet fellow members of the Fashion Zone community.
Any questions about your application or the process can be directed to fashionzone@torontomu.ca.
