This incubator’s mission is to assist up-and-coming talent who want to work in the fashion industry.
Without being professionals, they can be business owners, imaginative designers, stylists, or just hobbyists. The sole prerequisite is that they wish to establish a fashion initiative in Benin. Claude Borna began assisting start-ups in the fashion industry following a career in business strategy and marketing, which included positions at Sony Pictures and Amazon in the UK and the US.
In just a few weeks, over 700 applications were received, and a total of twelve spots were open. Emerging designers from Benin and other African nations answered the Sèmè City innovation hub’s call for proposals, which was issued between March 12 and April 19. The applicants, who are between the ages of 18 & 35, wish to be a part of the Fashion Led By Youth (FLY) program’s inaugural cohort.
“One program that comes to mind is Birimian, which assists companies that have established their firm and have been in operation for a few years. We can choose creative talent with FLY based only on an intriguing topic that we think has promise.”
The Institut Français de la Mode is supporting a program that targets young fashion talent on the African continent once more, in the vein of the Birimian incubator in the Ivory Coast. In addition, low-interest loans between $50,000 & $850,000 (or 46,600 and 793,200 euros) will be available to participants,” the managing director of Sème City continues.
In June 2024, the FLY incubator’s first cohort is scheduled to begin. “Without a doubt, IFM is the only organization that can help this incubator achieve its goals. It has the professional network and experience necessary to develop and nurture young talent, Claude Borna informs FashionUnited. Experts from the fashion industry will mentor the chosen candidates during the program to help them refine their ideas and hone their entrepreneurial abilities.
The program consists of two five-day in-person group sessions led by professors and experts from the Institut Français de la Mode at the Sèmè City campus; access to a digital toolbox containing self-contained methodological content; group coaching sessions conducted via videoconference with IFM experts; and ongoing one-on-one coaching for the duration of the program.
The candidates will get funding to complete their projects after this 12-month coaching period. To assist the newly formed start-ups, financial support will be provided in addition to technical support. In addition, low-interest loans between $50,000 and $850,000 (or 46,600 and 793,200 euros) will be available to participants,” the managing director of Sème City continues.
Either way, the nation is providing the resources necessary to realize this goal. In addition to being one of the top three cotton-producing countries in Africa, Benin is also placing a strong bet on the growth of its textile sector.
