Canberra designers sought to take part in trial fashion incubator - Original Post by Her Canberra, with thanks.

Canberra’s designers and creatives are being offered a unique opportunity to take part in a trial fashion and design incubator aimed at shining the light on Canberra’s creative economy during the Centenary year.

The Canberra Centre and local business accelerator, Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre, have joined forces to offer emerging and established Canberra designers the opportunity to launch and grow their business through an innovative mentoring program and retail shopfront.

The six month trial will include a shopfront at the Canberra Centre, a business mentoring program and networking opportunities to encourage collaboration and build business relationships. Expressions of interest are currently being sought to fill the eight permanent and one casual space within the shopfront.

“The fashion incubator aims to create an environment where emerging designers can maximise their growth through mentoring, collaboration and exposure to the large number of shoppers visiting the Canberra Centre each day,” said Anna Pino, CEO Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre.

Lighthouse has a strong track record of supporting Canberra’s entrepreneurs, researchers and inventers on the path from concept to commercialisation. In 2012 alone Lighthouse assisted more than 600 Canberra start-ups, early stage and high growth businesses. For over four years Lighthouse has successfully delivered business advice, education, mentorship and networking opportunities to help these businesses commercialise their ideas and grow their companies.

The shopfront will be run by designers under the guidance of an experienced retail manager, providing participants with valuable experience in merchandising, stock management and promotion.

“The purpose of the incubator is to provide a launch-pad for designers to gain skills in running a retail operation and fast track their business growth,” said Ms Pino.

The shopfront will also provide a unique shopping experience for Canberra Centre customers with the opportunity to meet some of Canberra’s most promising designers.

Fashion and accessory designers in the Canberra region are invited to submit an expression of interest to Su Hodge at Lighthouse on 6163-8305 or email su.hodge@lighthouseinnovation.com.au. Applications close on 7 February 2013.

Thanks to Amanda at Her Canberra for this post.