Learning Lab

This intensive program is tailored to BIPOC small business owners seeking to unlock the keys to financial growth through knowledge of both debt and equity capital. In today’s competitive landscape, securing funding is essential for fueling expansion, innovation, and sustainability. Whether you’re a startup seeking initial investment or an established business looking to scale, understanding the nuances of debt and equity funding is paramount.

In these interactive sessions, participants will be guided through the intricacies of acquiring capital, offering practical strategies and actionable insights to empower their business journey. From traditional bank loans to alternative financing options, we’ll engage with the diverse avenues available for accessing funding.

Outcomes For Participants:
* Demystify fundraising and eliminate your mental blocks relating to the process
* Gain an understanding of the various types of capital sources available to you
* Understand how different types of capital investments fit into your business
* Develop a clear plan for how you will use the capital investments you hope to raise and map out their execution
* Connect to resources that align with your investment plan
* Engage and collaborate with others on the same journey as you

Please note to be eligible for this program your business must be BIPOC-owned and available for the full range of dates in the linked page below. The two dates below are the kickoff and end date, be sure to head to the link for the full list of session dates.

Application deadline: January 29, 2025.

View the full program calendar and session information at: https://www.madeinnyc.org/news-events/made-in-nyc-announces-new-capital-readiness-for-bipoc-makers-program

In-person experiences are a great way to engage clients, partners, and the general public with your products, share your company story, and build brand loyalty by giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the work you do. In this workshop series, we will explore the different ways that you can effectively, safely, and accessibly engage visitors in your space through tours, hands-on activities, and other activations. Led by Turnstile Tours & Studio, experts in the museum and hospitality fields who have developed and led tours at industrial and cultural sites, this series will include interactive workshops on techniques and best practices in storytelling, public speaking, accessibility, visitor communications, and operational logistics. Participants will work collaboratively to develop strategies for activating their spaces for engagement with visitors based on their available resources, target audiences, and business goals.

This will be a 4-session workshop series and participation in all sessions is required. The workshops will take place in-person at the Made in NYC office at the Pratt Institute Research Yard, Brooklyn Navy Yard.

*Outcomes For Participants *
* Be able to plan and deliver safe and inclusive experiences in their spaces.
* Learn techniques and best practices in effective storytelling and visitor engagement to share their brand story in an interactive and accessible way.
* Understand how to develop tours and experiences for specific target audiences that support their business strategy, cultivate customers, and generate income.

From building a linesheet, restructuring your pricing for profitability to refining your packaging design - this workshop is designed for emerging brands to land wholesale retailers with ease. Participants will leave with new found confidence and a bounty of tips and tricks to further their success as they enter the retail market.

This is an in-person workshop series and sessions will be held at Pratt Institute’s Manhattan campus (144 W 14th St). Participation in all sessions is required.

Outcomes For Participants:*
* Best practices for building a linesheet specific to your product type
* Understanding of how to increase your products profitability
* Practical tips for designing shelf-ready product packaging
* Action plan for approaching & pitching retailers

Take your business’s sustainability practices to the next level. Through a series of interactive workshops, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of sustainable materials, manufacturing processes, product life cycles, packaging, and more.

This 3-part interactive workshop series features personalized 1:1 consultations, designed specifically for NYC fashion and product brands eager to enhance their sustainability efforts across multiple facets, from materials to production processes and beyond.

A 1:1 consultation opportunity following the three workshops will offer participants the opportunity to directly assess your current practices and develop a customized sustainability blueprint with clear action steps tailored to your brand’s unique needs and goals. Walk away with an individualized guide to sustainable resources plus a roadmap to infuse sustainable practices throughout every facet of your business.

Sessions will take place over Zoom and participation in all is required. 1:1 Office Hours will be scheduled between the instructor and each participant the week of April 22nd.

Outcomes For Participants:
* Enriched understanding of sustainability best practices
* Ability to identify areas to improve sustainability and cut costs and waste
* Custom sustainability plan with action steps tailored to your brand
* Comprehensive resource guide for sustainable materials, practices, and production

Registration deadline: March 27, 2025 at 5pm.