Austin Community College District’s (ACC) Fashion Incubator and the City of Austin Economic Development Department invite residents to weigh in on future investments in Austin’s local fashion industry. Austinites may complete the Austin Fashion Industry Survey to share their thoughts about the local fashion industry – including current opportunities and challenges for local fashion professionals and businesses.
● Complete the survey online
● Survey Opens: April 5, 2021
● Survey Closes: May 28, 2021
“The fashion industry is an important part of our city’s vibrancy, contributes to our local economy, and reflects the cultural diversity of our communities,” says Sylnovia Holt Rabb, City of Austin Economic Development Department acting director. “This survey will inform the Economic Development Department and ACC Fashion Incubator staff’s knowledge about Austin’s fashion industry, including what currently exists and what is needed to grow this important industry. We look forward to reviewing the results and enhancing our support for local fashion professionals, businesses, and anyone interested in entering this industry.”
Austin’s fashion industry includes many professions, such as design, pattern making, cutting, sourcing textiles and accessories, sewing, sizing, grading, marketing, warehousing, wholesaling, shipping, and retailing wearable goods. As Austin emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey will influence the development and prioritization of upcoming efforts to support fashion professionals and businesses across this spectrum.
“The fashion industry is rapidly changing as more remote workforce options become available. We’re also noticing that Austin is rapidly changing as more fashion professionals relocate to the area,” says Nina Means, ACC Fashion Incubator director. “That is why we invite everyone to complete the survey – regardless of whether you are a fashion novice or a seasoned professional. Your input will ensure individuals and businesses participating in Austin’s $86 million local fashion industry succeed in an ever-growing global market.”
The survey follows the recent launch of ATX+EGYPT, which supports the development and global expansion of Austin-based fashion businesses. The no-cost, year-long program prepares local fashion businesses for the global $1.5 trillion fashion marketplace and increases exposure of emerging Egyptian businesses to the Austin and United States economy. ATX+EGY is funded by a grant from the United States Embassy in Cairo, and it is managed by the City of Austin Economic Development Department in partnership with the ACC Fashion Incubator.