Today, The Business of Fashion announces a new partnership with RAISEfashion to empower the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and talent with the goal of powering positive change in fashion and the wider world.

Founded in July 2020, RAISEfashion is a non-profit network of fashion industry leaders, providing pro bono consulting to Black-owned fashion brands and professionals. Since its inception, the RAISEfashion volunteer network has launched programmes aimed at creating change within the fashion industry from the ground-up, including over 450 hours of pro-bono consulting to 250 emerging brands.

BoF will provide RAISEfashion members with complimentary access to award-winning fashion industry news and analysis from BoF Professional, global recruitment and employer branding via BoF Careers and business and career advice through a bespoke digital event series featuring industry leaders from BoF’s global network.

BoF will co-create workshops with RAISEfashion designed to answer the most pressing challenges of over 200 entrepreneurs and professionals in the RAISEfashion network. To kick off the partnership, BoF Founder and CEO, Imran Amed will host a conversation with leading fashion executives on navigating uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. Future programming will include sessions on funding a fashion business with leading fashion investors, the future of retail with retail experts and business leaders and an immersive BoF Careers event.

“At RAISEfashion, our mission is to identify opportunities for Black talent while simultaneously dismantling existing barriers in the industry through our mobilised volunteer network. Working with the globally respected team from The Business of Fashion to provide knowledge, education and invaluable access to content is an incredibly meaningful way to provide the next generation with the right tools to build businesses and careers. This work is more important than ever,” said Roopal Patel, Founding Board Member RAISEfashion.

“We are delighted to partner with RAISEfashion in their mission to mobilise Black talent in finding and advancing their professional paths.” said Imran Amed, Founder and CEO of The Business of Fashion. “Mentoring future leaders, developing new talent and supporting entrepreneurship is core to our mission in opening, informing and connecting the global fashion industry.”