02 | April | 2008 | Mishka's Blog

HISTORY

The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) began as a proposal from the Fashion Industry Liaison Committee, an organization supported by the City of Toronto’s Economic Development Division. They believed by creating an incubator it would stimulate growth and job opportunities. In 1987, the TFI was finally formed.

They began with the help of a two-year grant provided by the Federal Innovations Program of Employment and Immigration Canada. In December 1989, the centre was granted official “incubator” status through an Order-in-Council of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. In February 1990, an operating grant and some administrative support were provided by TEDCO (The City of Toronto Economic Development Corporation) through its Business Incubation program. Since then, TEDCO has continued its generosity by providing the TFI with a yearly grant. Through corporate sponsorships, fundraising, workshops, consulting, membership fees, rental fees for studio space, equipment and facilities we are able to generate additional revenues.

For over two decades, they have helped nurture and develop innovative talent while encouraging small business growth. Cities like London, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Auckland and Dunedin have looked to Toronto’s Fashion Incubator as a model of innovation, excellence and leadership.

MEMBERS

TFI offers two types of memberships: Outreach and Resident.

OUTREACH MEMBERS form the foundation of the TFI, coming together for events and seminars, while making invaluable industry connections in the process. Anyone can join the TFI as an Outreach member.

RESIDENT MEMBERS are the designers starting their businesses, or completing their first collections.