News & Events

[BROOKLYN, NY] A new lineup of free skills-building programs and creative services will aim to bolster the growth and marketing capacity of manufacturing businesses based in New York’s Garment District. Companies can apply to work one-on-one with a consultant to build a lead generation strategy, work with a photographer to document and market their factory’s capabilities, and host a student intern to support their marketing efforts.

These programs are the latest to be offered as part of Made in NYC’s Learning Lab, which helps manufacturers in New York City access expertise in marketing, communications and design by partnering with faculty at Pratt Institute. Workshops and consultations will be offered in-person in the Garment District from February through November 2023. Made in NYC will also organize two in-person networking events to forge connections and collaboration opportunities within the garment manufacturing and designer community.

Made in NYC’s Student Employment Program, now in its second year, offers Garment District businesses support by matching them with students studying marketing, communications, design, and other disciplines at Pratt Institute. Businesses will be able to develop a custom job description that identifies the skills they need support with, and eight businesses will be selected to receive Pratt students working twelve hours per week from May through November.

Also returning this year is the Factory Photography program, wherein garment factories receive professional photography services documenting their production capabilities. Twelve businesses will be selected for this program and will receive Factory Profiles highlighted at each networking event. Made in NYC will also once again offer our B2B Lead Generation Program, which empowers garment manufacturers with a system to generate and sustain business leads; gain valuable insights into their customer, brand and business; and connect, share with, and learn from their peers.

“Working with manufacturers from the Garment District last year was a transformative experience. I was not only blown away by the collective knowledge, skills and abilities of those I worked with, I was also moved by the level of care and passion for their work and those they serve. I’m excited for year two!” said Kim Robinson, Founder of 3pts business consulting and instructor for the B2B Lead Generation Program.

The Made in NYC Learning Lab: Fashion Strategies programming has been developed with generous support from the Garment District Alliance. These programs are provided through the GDA Business Development Collaborative.