Support Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Members in the Fashion Zone.
The Problem
Building a successful fashion, design or technology company is challenging for any entrepreneur. But Black, Indigenous women, and non-binary members face distinct barriers that can prevent them from realizing their entrepreneurship dreams. One of the most significant obstacles for Black and Indigenous female-led ventures is the lack of early-stage funding – an issue only amplified by the pandemic.
The Fashion Zone at Ryerson provides the resources these entrepreneurs need on their road to success – including training, mentorship, and access to space and equipment. But without access to funding, these entrepreneurs are not able to make the next step investments in inventory, marketing and staff.
Our Solution
Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Members in the Fashion Zone Prize will provide crucial funding and incubator resources to support the growth and success of high potential BIPOC founders – when they need it most. The Fashion Zone will match your generosity by providing one fee-free year of incubation and business support to take these entrepreneurs to the next level.
How Donors Can Help
Please help us reach our goal – to offer one prize of $ 2,500 each year to a promising Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary entrepreneur or team. Your gift will directly support the growth of a successful, sustainable business. Your tax-deductible donation to the Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Members in the Fashion Zone Prize will champion diversity and support new talent in the entrepreneurship community. Please join us.
Why it Matters
We have recognized a gap in available funding for Black and Indigenous female and non-binary-led ventures. We can provide resources, but without funding, they can’t invest in inventory, marketing, and staff. Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Members in the Fashion Zone Prize acts as a bridge to carry Black and Indigenous Women and Non-Binary Member founders from bootstrapping to their first application for working capital from Banks, Futurpreneur, and BDC.
How To Donate
1. Click the link above
2. Specify donation amount for your contribution.
3. Input Donor Information and Contact Information.
4. Select Fashion Zone as payment "Designation."
5. Input payment details.
6. Click "Next" button.
Statistics to Consider
Taken from the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (external link) .
29.5%
of self-employed Black entrepreneurs are women.
85%
of Black-owned businesses can survive less than one month.
40%
of self-employed Indigenous entrepreneurs are women.
80%
of Black entrepreneurs do not think they qualify for the Canada Emergency Business Account.
78.4%
of self-employed women have no paid help, versus 67.5% for men.