FSF Accelerator Grant
The Accelerator Grant helps to create the next generation of FSF Alumni-led companies. Our goal is to prepare FSF alumni-led early-stage startups for success through a year of expert mentorship and a grant of $50,000.
Eligibility requirements, selection process, timeline and FAQ’s can be found below.
The winner of the 2023 FSF Accelerator Grant was 2017 FSF Scholarship Recipient from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Chantal Mtakati. Read more about her business, H-Studio, below. The esteemed 2023 FSF Accelerator Grant Judges were: Narda Chan, Vice President, Design at Macy's, Victor Glemaud, Designer, Roberto Lorenzini, CEO of Tod's Group - Americas, Jenna Lyons, Co-Founder and CEO of LOVESEEN and cast member of upcoming The Real Housewives of New York, on Bravo, and Eleanor Turner, Founder and CEO of The Big Favorite and 2019 FSF Accelerator Grant Recipient.
ABOUT H-STUDIO STUDIO:
H-Studio is a South African based international business-to-business wholesale apparel marketplace platform, selling soft and hard apparel and manufacturing services from South Africa. As an alternative and affordable online wholesale supplier for Global retail buyers, retail buyers are able to connect with South African apparel manufacturers and suppliers and gain access to affordable and world trendy fashion apparel and CMT services that H-Studio’s online marketplace offers. Click here to learn more.
Eligibility
Applicant eligibility requirements:
You must be a former FSF Scholarship recipient.
Startup eligibility requirements:
1. Your start-up must have applications in the fashion industry.
2. You must be an early or seed-stage startup.
3. You must be in a permanent, senior leadership position.
SELECTION PROCESS
We rate each applicant on five factors: viability of idea, growth potential, development and vision, progress evaluation, and brand fit. Applications will first be evaluated by representatives from the FSF Board of Governors and then by a panel of industry leaders.
Viability of Idea
The applicant’s product/service should be a solution to a gap in the market. A customer base willing to pay for the applicant’s product/service should exist and be well-defined by the applicant.
Growth Potential
The applicant’s product/service can’t be easily replicated. The applicant has taken measures to protect proprietary ideas, designs, and the brand through patents and/or trademarks. The applicant has demonstrated that the product/service is needed in the marketplace through quantifiable analysis and testing. The applicant has sized the market for their idea’s potential reach, as well as identified their direct and indirect competitors, and has described competitive advantages of their product/service.
Development and Vision
The applicant has demonstrated an extensive, well-researched sales and marketing plan that includes a mix of proven, cost-effective sales and marketing tactics. The applicant has conducted a thorough risk analysis of their venture, identifying major sources of risks, and described how they would mitigate them. The applicant has clearly defined how they will attract and retain the right team to deliver their product/service to market. The applicant has demonstrated a specific action plan on how they will use funds and resources from the FSF to deliver results outlined in their business plan within a reasonable time period.
Progress Evaluation
The applicant has effectively and efficiently used resources available to them thus far to develop expertise in their field and to attract customers, marketing and distribution partnerships, and other alliances, demonstrating significant personal investment in venture.
Brand Fit
The applicant has demonstrated respect and appreciation for the FSF and can be expected to continue to stay supportive of the organization as their company grows.