Fashion Design & Entrepreneurship Incubator Remote

Fashion Design & Entrepreneurship Incubator Internship
Lady Connect VoiceUp Publishing Partnership 100% Remote 100% Flexible

### Program Overview This innovative internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students with clothing and apparel design aspirations a unique opportunity to develop their creative vision while gaining hands-on entrepreneurial experience. Through our partnership with VoiceUp Publishing, interns will receive mentorship, resources, and dedicated retail space to showcase their designs within Lady Connect's national clothing boutique initiative.

### Internship Structure - **Duration**: 4-6 month program - **Format**: 100% remote core curriculum with optional in-person retail experience - **Compensation**: Academic credit available, volunteer option, or potential stipend through fiscal sponsorship - **Fiscal Sponsorship**: VoiceUp Publishing will collaborate to seek fiscal sponsorship for qualifying participants through partnership agreements with social impact organizations. - **Retail Opportunity**: Dedicated store frontage space within Lady Connect's boutique

### Program Benefits - Professional mentorship from established designers and retail entrepreneurs - Hands-on experience in clothing line development from concept to market - Digital marketing and branding support for your collection - Direct consumer feedback through Lady Connect's boutique platform - Networking with industry professionals and disability advocates - Portfolio development and documentation of your design journey - Potential for ongoing relationship with Lady Connect's retail initiative

### Learning Tracks Participants will develop skills in: 1. **Design & Production**: Concept development, sketching, material selection, ethical sourcing
2. **Business Development**: Pricing strategy, supply chain management, business planning 3. **Marketing & Branding**: Social media strategy, brand identity, storytelling
4. **Social Enterprise**: Inclusive design principles, accessibility in fashion, social impact

### Eligibility Requirements - Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies (any major welcome) - Demonstrated interest in fashion, apparel design, or retail entrepreneurship - Commitment to inclusive design and accessibility - Self-motivated with strong time management skills - Access to reliable internet and basic design tools - Portfolio or concept presentation of clothing/apparel ideas

### Program Structure Phase 1: Concept Development (Weeks 1-4) - Refine clothing line concept and target market - Develop initial designs and branding strategy - Create business and production plan - Learn inclusive design principles

Phase 2: Production & Marketing (Weeks 5-12)
- Develop samples or initial production pieces - Create digital marketing assets and online presence - Prepare pricing and merchandising strategy - Design retail display concept for boutique space

Phase 3: Retail Launch (Weeks 13-24) - Launch collection in dedicated space within Lady Connect boutique - Implement marketing campaign - Gather and respond to customer feedback - Refine business model based on real-world performance

### Mentorship & Support
Interns will receive: - Bi-weekly virtual mentoring sessions with industry professionals - Monthly group workshops on entrepreneurship and design - Access to disability advocacy training and inclusive design resources - Technical support for digital marketing and e-commerce - Guidance on academic credit requirements and documentation

### Social Impact Component All participating designers will be encouraged to incorporate at least one of the following: - Accessible design features in their collection - Employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities - Donation of a percentage of proceeds to disability advocacy - Collaboration with artists or craftspeople with disabilities

### Application Process Send to Send resume and example of best writing 1. Submit digital portfolio or concept presentation 2. Complete brief questionnaire about entrepreneurial goals 4. Virtual interview with program coordinators

### Program Outcomes Upon completion, participants will have: - Launched a clothing line concept with real market feedback - Developed a comprehensive business and marketing plan - Created a professional portfolio of their work - Established connections within the fashion and retail industry - Gained perspective on inclusive design and accessibility - Received professional evaluation letter from Lady Connect's founder

### Partnership Information This program is made possible through collaboration between Lady Connect and VoiceUp Publishing, combining retail expertise with publishing and promotion resources to support emerging designers. Fiscal sponsorship opportunities are available to qualifying participants through VoiceUp's established network of partners.

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*This internship reflects Lady Connect's mission to create innovative employment and entrepreneurship opportunities while promoting awareness of disability inclusion in all industries.*

**Apply now to turn your fashion vision into reality while contributing to a more inclusive retail landscape!**

Together we hold ourselves accountable to the following principles.

Humility We must remain open minded and open to improving ourselves every day.

Precision Excellence requires discipline.

Patience We all need forgiveness

Empathy We must understand the why

Together we are organized around the following structure:

Every person agrees to bring and share their whole self. This is a safe place We want to know all of your talents We'll collaborate to find creative ways to amplify your talent inspiring many communities.

We support each other Weekly team meetings - Saturday afternoons, 1PM or 4PM EST USA. Weekly one to one mentoring sessions - Flexible Schedule with your mentor Each person has a peer buddy - This will be finalized next week

Welcome to Voice Up. We connect people to their purpose.