Fashion Business Inc. has continued to provide industry-specific seminars to new apparel businesses, helping them to take creative ideas, and turn them into thriving fashion companies that can navigate potential minefields, such as department-store charge backs and new technologies.
In 2005, FBI offered a new twist. It took its message on the road. Frances Harder, president founder of FBI, has given monthly seminars in San Francisco and San Diego. By 2006, up-and-coming apparel manufacturers will be able to take advantage of the same seminars that have been popular in Los Angeles.

FBI will be introducing a fashion industry-specific computer-training program in 2006. The program, called the Employment Training Program, will offer companies course on apparel-business software such as Apparel Information Management System, Gerber Technology and TUKAcad. It was set up in conjunction with Community Career Development Inc. Companies could be reimbursed for part of the cost of training, up to $20 per hour per person, depending on the size of the business.

Harder said her last six years running FBI have transformed her from a former professor into the chief of a successful non-profit. For students such as Alicia Estrada, president of Los Angeles-based Stop Staring! Designs, Harder and FBI’s classes have provided a chance for real growth. “If I didn’t go to FBI, I would have made a lot of big mistakes. I just may have lost everything,” Estrada said. But, she said she soaked up FBI’s wisdom, and in 2005, the city of Los Angeles named her minority businesswoman of the year.

Next up for Harder and FBI is Hong Kong Fashion Week, where members will show their wares to an international audience at the trade show’s World Boutique.

Andrew Asch
California Apparel News, Friday, December 09, 2005