Business Incubator

The Custom Collaborative Business Incubator provides ongoing support for Training Institute graduates and other emerging entrepreneurs through 1:1 counseling, mentorship, and advanced training.

61%

of Training Institute Alumni have started their own business.

Building Bridges to Opportunity

Offering a wide range of services, the Business Incubator is the next step for many of our Training Institute alumni, and a way for other emerging entrepreneurs to tap into a community of shared resources like space rentals, professional equipment, and skill-building workshops.

Participants can receive job placement support, business referrals, and expanded financial guidance, all designed to maximize work opportunities and improve socio-economic outcomes.

Our workshop programming deepens that support through expert-led sessions tailored to guide early-stage business owners through topics like costing, textile selection, and client relationships. We also offer workshops that explore fiber arts and sustainability — from upcycling to knitting — making craft and circularity accessible to communities historically left out of traditional fashion education.

Ready to apply?

Check our eligibility requirements to see if this opportunity is right for you.

Learn More

Penny’s Story

Photo courtesy of Theory

With the right support, Penny turned determination into a career.

Penny came to Custom Collaborative with zero sewing experience — just a strong desire to learn. Training Institute Manager Delia Alleyne quickly recognized her natural aptness for the craft, particularly in pattern making, which many participants find particularly challenging.

After graduating from Cohort 9, Penny stayed connected to the CC community, making her a top contender when Theory sought apprentices for their Theory for Good program. During the six-month apprenticeship, she upcycled damaged products at Theory's NYC atelier and proved so capable that other departments requested her help when they needed extra hands.

At the end of her internship, Penny was offered a permanent position as a Mark Maker — an opportunity she never would have dreamed possible. Though many at the atelier have worked there for 15–20 years, she has quickly become a valued part of the team!

"She had a yearning and a quest for learning. 'Let me help; let me learn.' Not everybody has that." — SVP of Sustainability, Theory

Sarata, Cohort 14:

"For many of us, this wasn't just about fabric or fashion — it was personal. It was healing. It was about reclaiming confidence, dignity, and dreams we thought were out of reach."

For Partners

None of this happens alone. Learn what you can do to support our proven training model.

Work With Us

  • Contribute your knowledge and resources as a guest instructor! Partner with us to develop and enhance our curriculum, offer workshops, or provide mentorship to our participants.  

  • After 15 weeks of training, our participants celebrate with a public runway showcase. Support our graduates by hosting us in your event space.

  • Work in fashion or own a business? Host a tour or immersion experience for our participants and help expand their understanding of industry opportunities through firsthand experts like you.

  • Sponsoring our graduation showcase is a direct investment in emerging talent. From refreshments to videography to financial backing, every contribution helps bring the future of fashion to life.