Atlanta Fashion Incubator

ABOUT US

The Atlanta Fashion Incubator (AFI) is a non-profit organization established to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and encourage small business growth within the fashion industry in Atlanta. The AFI offers an exciting and unique opportunity for talented and creative fashion designers to successfully enter the fashion industry with their own business. It offers a “support net” for designers in business; helping them through the myriad of issues and problems that can beset new ventures, and in so doing, enhance their chances of business success. The end goal therefore, is for AFI members to leave with a successful, viable fashion business. This translates into real job and business creation to the benefit of our community. To achieve this, a supportive environment has been created including premises with production machinery on site, mentoring services and skills development. Designers accepted into the Incubator as Resident members become tenants, occupying office/studio space on the premises, or they can be Outreach members operating their business at their own location. However, it is emphasized that while the AFI is providing the right environment to breed success, designers must be committed to being in business, and to achieving their business goals through their own efforts. Along the way, their progress is regularly evaluated and they are helped to meet their negotiated performance targets.
Mission

Mission

The Atlanta Fashion Incubator was created to mentor designers and promote diverse aspects of the Atlanta apparel industry through individualized business assistance opportunities made available to a cross-section of the community;The Atlanta Fashion Incubator will actively support economic development in this vital sector of the Atlanta workforce through the hands-on efforts of its staff and the charitable involvement of its volunteers;The Atlanta Fashion Incubator is an equal opportunity, multi-faceted program that encompasses the Hook-up, a database of products and fashion-related services in the Atlanta region created and maintained as a vehicle to support all aspects of the local apparel industry; andThe Atlanta Fashion Incubator will strive to build relationships and creative exchanges with other fashion incubators and educators throughout the country and abroad in order to enhance opportunities for economic development within the Atlanta apparel industry.
Internships

General Info

Internships

The Atlanta Fashion Incubator is currently seeking interns:Interns work directly within the AFI, contributing to the Incubator’s, outreach and management. Positions are available during the academic year, based on the projected workload of the host department and the qualifications and experience of the candidate. All positions are voluntary and are therefore unpaid. Class credit may be obtained. Internships will last from June 13 to August 20.Internships include appointments in the following departments: Advertising- Intern directly markets and assists with on-going marketing campaign. Works directly with graphic design intern to develop print media and with marketing intern. Grants Administration- Intern researches local and federal government funding as well as arts funding. Prepares grants and creates and maintains database tracking grants.Marketing- Intern helps establish a marketing plan and execute the plan with direct marketing and works closely with the advertising intern to achieve the goal. Helps develop and build partnerships with local businesses.Photography- Intern works with web developer updating the website. Creates a database of stock photography to use on the website. Helps develop street looks section of website blog. Photographs and archives local events. Graphic Design- Intern helps refine logos, letterheads. Works closely with web development to create and maintain attractive high quality website. Designs print media for advertisement.Web Design and Development- Intern researches user friendly affordable website. Maintains and frequently updates the website.

Judging Criteria add-page02

Applications will be judged on the following:• Cover Lettero Why do you want to participate in an internship? o What skills, knowledge or school experience will you be able to utilize in the program to make a substantial contribution?o Biographical information: Name, address, phone number, email, school attending (if applicable)• Statement of Purpose - Please submit a brief 4-5 paragraph essay (about 500 words) addressing the following:o Why you chose your particular area of study as a career? o A statement about your profession and how your internship will support your career goals. o Your future career and/or education plans. o Whether you are seeking course credit?• Reference letters - A minimum of two reference letters written on official letterhead from the author’s organization (whenever possible) must be included in the application package.About the Selection ProcessYour internship application will be reviewed by an internship committee. The committee will use your entire application package to assess and select candidates for the internship program.The following weights apply:40% - Interview 30% - Cover Letter and Statement of Purpose10% - Application form20% - Reference Letters Application SubmissionOnly complete applications that meet all the eligibility requirements will be reviewed. Applications must be date stamped or post marked on or before May 20, 2011. Applications date stamped or post marked after that date and incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.

How to Apply add-page03

How to apply Applications must include the following: •Application Form •Full resume of education and employment. •One academic recommendation (2 recommendations total). •A cover letter describing the candidate’s interest in fashion and reasons for applying to the internship program. Academic Year Internship application deadlines: Summer term: Postmark May 20 Application materials for all internships should be submitted to: The Atlanta Fashion IncubatorAttn: Internship Program 511 Collier Ridge Drive, NW Atlanta, GA 30318-7205atlantafashionincubator_gmail.com

Judging Criteria

How to Apply

General Info

Memberships

Memberships Packages

Benefits

AFI is a not-for-profit organization. However we must also be partially self-funding. Options are:• Resident Membership-- you pay a monthly amount of $550*. This is payable one month in advance and an automatic payment will need to be set up monthly from your bank account. To demonstrate your commitment to the AFI, you will be required to have these funds in place before you take up your position. • Outreach Membership—you pay an annual fee of $165* for access to the incubator benefits during regular business hours, access to online services and discounted admission to seminars and special events. Outreach membership is open to EVERYONE interested in the fashion industry.*Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Utilities, maintenance supplies and services, leasehold repairs, security, equipment leasing and repairs, and common area maintenance fees are included in these costs.
Membership benefits include: A creative and supportive environmentSemi private office/studio spaceAccess to industrial sewing and specialty machinesAccess to computers including CAD software and peripheralsAccess to office equipment, telephones, copier and faxIncubate Resident members [those occupying leased studio/office space in AFi facilities] Provide access to services for Outreach members [annual membership fee paid for scheduled access to facilities and services.]Provide industry specific business and compliance education, sourcing, networking, marketing and consulting services
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