Prime Highlights:
FABRIC, a nonprofit fashion incubator in Tempe, supports emerging apparel brands with manufacturing and business development resources.
The Fashion and Business Resource Innovation Center (FABRIC) provides cutting-edge technology and mentorship, helping entrepreneurs from design to manufacturing.
FABRIC’s Apparel Entrepreneur Roadmap guides participants through the complexities of building a brand, with a focus on sustainability and local manufacturing.
Key Background:
Tempe‘s Fashion and Business Resource Innovation Center (FABRIC) is helping reshape Arizona into an emerging hub for local fashion manufacturing. The nonprofit incubator, founded by Angela Johnson and Sherri Barry, supports apparel entrepreneurs with both manufacturing services and business acceleration tools. Since its inception in 2016, FABRIC has provided a launchpad for designers to create and scale their brands locally, addressing the unique needs of small-batch production.
In 2023, the incubator relocated to a state-of-the-art facility, the Phygital Innovation Center, which integrates cutting-edge fashion technology. According to co-founder Angela Johnson, FABRIC is committed to fostering creativity and supporting a diverse range of individuals interested in starting apparel brands. The incubator’s core philosophy is to help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the complex journey from idea to product while offering the necessary resources to succeed.
FABRIC’s Apparel Entrepreneur Roadmap is a flagship program that guides participants through various stages of brand development, including design, manufacturing, business startup, and marketing. At a cost of $350 per month, the program provides invaluable guidance that would otherwise require hiring full-time employees. Scholarships are available to underrepresented groups, ensuring greater access to the fashion industry for minorities, women, veterans, and those facing financial challenges.
As FABRIC continues to grow, it has forged partnerships with local manufacturers like Bespoke Manufacturing Company, Yoganastix, and House of Holmes, helping startups transition from design to production. The incubator’s focus on innovation and community-driven growth is paving the way for a sustainable future for Arizona’s fashion manufacturing sector.
