NYCEDC, CFDA Announce Continuation of FMI Through New Local Production Fund

Program Connects Local Manufacturers with Brands Strengthening New York City's Garment Manufacturing Industry and Supporting Tariff Challenges

$1.7 Million Combined Investment from NYCEDC and CFDA, with Industry Partners

NEW YORK, NY-Today, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA), announced the continuation of the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) with the launch of a new Local Production Fund to support the city's garment manufacturers. The Local Production Fund will support designers and garment manufacturers by strengthening relationships and driving local production order growth over a two-year time frame. The program will provide credits for up to 21 local garment manufacturers that can be used for reshoring production orders for up to 43 fashion designers over 2 years and up to 3 seasons.

The original Fashion Manufacturers Initiative (FMI) was created in 2013 to support New York City fashion manufacturers to modernize their equipment and facilities. In addition to the NYCEDC's investment in the Local Production Fund, the program is made possible by early industry support from Andrew Rosen, TWP, and the American Apparel & Footwear Association, with additional partners to be announced. From the program's launch until 2024, $6.7 million was invested across 220+ grants and workforce support programming impacting the work of 3,708 employees. The program consisted of six core components: innovation grants, workforce development, programs & collaborations, and a production database. For this next phase, the Local Production Fund is an optimal investment to double down on ensuring the historic garment manufacturing ecosystem can continue to call New York City home.

"The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative's decade of impact, supporting over 3,500 New Yorkers, helped strengthen the foundation of New York City's historic garment manufacturing industry while advancing a diverse local workforce," said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. "Building on that growth, NYCEDC is proud to continue our partnership with CFDA through the new Local Production Fund, which will deepen collaboration between local designers and manufacturers, helping to drive production and ensure this vital industry continues to thrive in New York City."

"At the CFDA, we are committed to supporting American designers not just creatively, but in building strong, sustainable businesses, and the Local Production Fund is a critical step in helping them access local manufacturing, build lasting partnerships, and grow within New York City," said Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) President Steven Kolb.

In August 2025, the New York City Council and City Hall adopted the Midtown South Mixed-Use (MSMX) Plan, advancing the transformation of 42 blocks in Midtown South into a 24/7 mixed-use neighborhood by facilitating the creation of 9,500 new homes including 2,800 permanently affordable new units. In light of this historic opportunity, NYCEDC, in partnership with former NYC Councilmember Erik Bottcher, undertook a six-month engagement process in the MSMX area-including the historic Garment District-where businesses identified needs for programming and understanding of existing NYCEDC programs.

NYCEDC created Midtown Made to promote existing programming that supports the MSMX area as the rezoning unfolds. NYCEDC will continue its partnership with CFDA to promote NYCEDC's programs for the fashion sector through webinars, newsletters, paid social media efforts and events, under the Midtown Made brand. Our partnership and promotion efforts will direct businesses to the new Midtown Made resource hub on NYCEDC's website and continue the support for the manufacturers that make New York City's Fashion industry hum day after day.

Local Production Fund applications for manufacturers open on April 20, 2026, and designer applications will open on June 23, 2026. Learn more and apply.

"The talent and expertise of New York City's local manufacturing facilities is instrumental in fostering the growth of the next generation of American designers and helping them build their brands," said Andrew Rosen. "The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, and now the Local Production Fund, is investing in and supporting this vital ecosystem. I'm excited and proud to be part of the continuation of such an important mission-one that helps ensure garment manufacturing in New York City continues to thrive."

"I've been proud to work on the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan that adds desperately needed housing to Midtown South, while helping protect the industries that make our city unique," said New York State Assembly Member Keith Powers. "This investment from NYCEDC and the Council of Fashion Designers of America will help ensure that our garment manufacturers can grow, create jobs, and continue to call New York City home."

"Our garment manufacturing sector supports thousands of jobs and is essential to New York City's economic vibrancy," said New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. "This investment will help strengthen local production, support small manufacturers, and ensure that talent and creativity continue to thrive here in New York."

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the City's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram. 

About CFDA
The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1962 with a membership of more than 325 of America's foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory designers. Pillars include Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through the IMPACT initiative, as well as Sustainability in Fashion. The organization provides its Members with timely and relevant thought-leadership and business development support. Emerging designers and students are supported through professional development programming and numerous grant and scholarship opportunities. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, the organization owns the Fashion Calendar and is the organizer of the Official New York Fashion Week Schedule. The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes and engage in civic initiatives.

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