FashionSF

Supporting the Growth of San Francisco’s Fashion Design and Apparel Manufacturing Industry

Overview
In October 2011, Mayor Edwin M. Lee launched FashionSF - a new economic initiative focused on supporting the retention and growth of San Francisco’s apparel manufacturers and fashion designers. The goal of FashionSF is to support the expansion of existing designers and manufacturers in the apparel and accessory sector and facilitate and support new company startup and growth.

As part of the Mayor’s 17-Point Jobs Plan, FashionSF consists of four key elements:

• Fashion Sector Manager: The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has a Fashion Sector Manager who serves as the City’s central point of contact to the fashion design and apparel manufacturing industry, conduct business outreach and assistance to businesses, and coordinates the FashionSF program.
• FashionSF Working Group: Representatives from leading San Francisco designers, manufacturers, educational institutions and non-profit groups have formed a private sector industry working group to advise and support the implementation of FashionSF. The working group is co-chaired by Roger Kase of ISDA & CO and Janet Lees of SFMade.
• Fashion Action Plan: OEWD and the FashionSF Working Group are working on an industry specific action plan for driving growth in this sector.
• Technical Assistance and Programming: FashionSF includes technical assistance to businesses and will strengthen the existing community through programming, workshops and network development.

Fashion Sector Assistance
City Liaison: Specialized assistance in navigating city government including permitting and zoning questions and assistance, single point of contact at the city to coordinate services to meet the needs of both designers and manufacturing communities.

Incentives: Access to local, state and federal tax credits, business expense deductions, energy-efficiency programs, and tax rebate programs.

Workforce Services: Assistance with employee recruitment, subsidized job training for new hires and skills upgrading, employee bonding and retention services. San Francisco provides customized hiring and employee training services to companies including financial assistance for training programs and recruitment assistance for pre-screening potential employees.

Real Estate: Site selection, relocation and expansion assistance of factories with guidance towards areas which are zoned and appropriate for design and manufacturing.

Business Development: Access to an extensive network of business resources and referrals, focused to the needs of the individual business. Training and education referrals suited to the design and manufacturing communities.

Contact
If you are you a fashion designer or apparel factory needing assistance or interested in learning more about FashionSF, please contact:

Tiffany Garcia
Fashion Sector Manager
Office of Economic Workforce and Development
1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Place, Room 448
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-554-6959
Email: tiffany.garcia@sfgov.org