The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) is an economic development initiative designed to support and nurture new fashion business entrepreneurs. Established in 1988 by the City of Toronto’s Economic Development Department (now the Department of Economic Development, Culture & Tourism), the TFI was the first of its kind in North America, catering exclusively to the fashion industry. Since then they have built, and continue to build, an entrepreneurial culture that is admired throughout international business centres.

 

 

Not dissimilar to the LFF and it’s sister, the London Apparel Resource Centre, The Toronto Fashion Incubator creates jobs, retains jobs and promotes Toronto as an international design centre. It helps new fashion companies by, first of all, analysing what a company needs, and ends with that company “graduating” to become solid and independent. In between, the company receives access to a cost-effective, professional work space, a fully equipped production facility, and one-to-one confidential consultations on a wide range of business and industry-specific topics.

Members can also participate in many exclusive promotional and networking events that help build the company’s profile to buyers and media. At the same time, support is pulled together from the fashion community, financial institutions, business owners, schools and government institutions to act as advisors and mentors to the fledgling businesses.