Resource Center
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Resources for Makers & Small Businesses
U.S. Fashion Manufacturing Fund (OPENING 2027!)
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Ralph Lauren established this fund to support investments that strengthen operational capacity, innovation, and long-term business sustainability for domestic manufacturers.
Structured as a partially matching financial grant, the program may cover up to 80% of approved project costs, with recipients contributing the remaining 20%, encouraging shared investment and long-term sustainability.
CFDA x NY Forward Grant Fund (NOW OPEN!)
This program is designed to drive innovation, strengthen local production, and ensure the Garment District remains a vital hub for the fashion industry.
The grant fund provides partially matching support of up to two-thirds of eligible costs for new machinery and directly related expenses limited to machinery-tied capital improvements, required associated software, and training.
The CFDA Local Production Fund encourages U.S. designers to start or increase their production in New York City by matching them with local manufacturers.
The pilot program is expected to launch in mid-2026, fill out the interest form to be notified.
The CFDA Local Production Fund
Customized Training Grant
The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) provides grants to help NYC-based businesses train and retain their employees. Grants range from $10,000-$400,000 and businesses with less than five employees can apply jointly as a consortium.
The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is the nation’s largest youth employment program, connecting NYC youth between the ages of 14 and 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experience each summer. Employers can fill short-term jobs and internships through SYEP at no cost; participants are paid directly by the City of New York!
Summer Youth Employment Program
CUNY Internship to Employment Program
Hire recent CUNY alumni for internships — with the aim of long-term employment. CUNY provides funding for interns and wage subsidies for employers who hire following the internship period.
The Garment District Alliance: Business Development Collaborative
In 2018, the Garment District Alliance (GDA) committed $2.5m per year for a 10-year period. The funding is intended to develop and deliver programming which would strengthen District industries, with a special focus on apparel and manufacturing.
Funding cycles are announced annually.
New York City Industrial Development Agency (NYCIDA) manages a tax credit program that is intended to ease rent burden and displacement pressure on fashion manufacturers in the Garment District by giving real estate tax breaks to property owners.
Garment District Tax Credit
Know Your Rights via New York Immigration Coalition
Understand your rights as a New Yorker and how to access help.