FBI Adds S.F., S.D. Chapters, Offers Certificate Training Program
Fashion Business Inc. is bringing its apparel-focused business training programs to start-up and growing apparel manufacturers in San Diego and San Francisco.The Los Angeles–based nonprofit has partnered with two existing business development centers that will host the FBI programs.
In San Diego, FBI will hold live and remote seminars and workshops at the San Diego Technology Incubator. The first program will be the “Fashion for Profit” seminar, scheduled for June 4 at 9:30 a.m. For more information, e-mail mjahn@cact-sd.org, or call (619) 726-2317.
The San Francisco chapter, which will meet at the Renaissance Center, will offer filmed seminars, sponsored in part by Los Angeles–based information technology provider AIMS, and live follow-up conference calls with an FBI consultant. Dates have not been set. For more information, call (415) 348-6234 or (415) 348-6237.
FBI is also preparing to offer its programs online. The organization is currently producing DVDs and videos of FBI seminars, which are sponsored by AIMS. The DVDs and videos will be available at the FBI Resource Center at The New Mart and on the FBI Web site, www.fashionbizinc.org.
New programs at FBI
The organization has also introduced a new program, the “Certified Job Training Program,” which will include industry-sponsored certification in several information technology applications. The first program will be the “AIMS Certified Program.” Future training programs are planned with PAD Systems Technology Inc., Tukatech Inc., ApparelMagic and SnapFashun Inc.
“There’s a need for people to get more IT training,” said Frances Harder, FBI founder and executive director. “There are jobs available and not enough people to fill them.”
To help with the program, FBI recently installed 14 new computers at the Resource Center. The new computers were donated by AIMS and the City of Los Angeles. FBI recently landed a $100,000 City of Los Angeles grant, which is helping to fund the new program.
In June, FBI will kick off a free series of eBay training seminars at the Resource Center.
The seminars will provide step-by-step instructions for selling on eBay, including advice for attracting customers and maximizing returns. Members of eBay’s clothing, show and accessories management team will be available to discuss setting up a retail shop at the online auction site. FBI will hold afollow-up workshop at the Resource Center, where students can put their training into practice using the center’s computers. For more information, call (213) 892-1669, ore-mail info@fashionbizinc.org.
On May 26, FBI will host a members networking event at which new FBI Member President Abigail Middleweight will address current issues facing small apparel makers in California.
This year, the organization will also increase its membership dues to $200 per year for business members, $35 per year for students and $750 per year for industry networking partners.
