The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is aware of the challenges that the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak brings to designers in both their personal lives and professional operations.

As an organization with a diverse membership of designers – categories, size of business, location, production and supply chain – conducting business globally, we want to do what we can to help our designer in these difficult times for their businesses.

Outlined below are several resources for you to consider as you pivot your strategy to weather this disruptive moment.

For questions on health and protection, please visit the Center for Disease Control website here and review the CDC’s Interim Guide for Businesses and Employers here.

Learn how to help source, produce, donate and/or sell personal protective equipment (PPE) products here.

Government Resources

National

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created a site dedicated to outlining ways you can assist in their relief efforts. Visit the “How To Help – Private Sector” section to learn how to produce, sell or donate PPEs and other supplies here.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses suffering substantial loss as a result of COVID-19. To contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center, call 1(800)659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

National Retail Federation

The National Retail Federation has launched Operation Open Doors, learn more here.

The NRF also provided resources for retailers here.

Federal student loan borrowers can suspend payments for 60 days. Read more here.

Included In the Stimulus Package:  Fashion Freelancers Will Be Eligible For Unemployment

According to the New York Times , the many fashion freelancers and independent contractors whose work has stopped because of COVID-19  would be newly eligible for unemployment benefits. Benefit amounts would be calculated based on previous income, using a formula from the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program, according to a congressional aide. Self-employed workers would also be eligible for the additional $600 weekly benefit provided by the federal government.

Applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) must be filed by an individual within 30 days of the announcement of the availability of DUA in the state. Individuals must follow the instructions in the announcement and file for DUA based on the filing methods used by the state (i.e. in person, mail, telephone, or internet).

New York 

New York City Economic Development Corporation

The NYCEDC is creating a consolidated list of companies, vendors and individuals who are able to assist in the manufacturing of PPEs. Complete the EDC’s forms if you can manufacture, sell or donate PPEs  here.

Office of New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo

Donating PPEs: Businesses or individuals interested in donating personal protective equipment (PPE) products or any other donated goods, services, or space for use in New York’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, complete the following form here.

Selling PPEs: Businesses interested in selling unused personal protective equipment (PPE) products to the state should complete the following form here.

Additionally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a 90-day moratorium on evictions for residential and commercial tenants.

The Pratt Center for Community Development (Updated 4/9/20)

The Pratt Center for Community Development is tracking financial relief and other resources during the COVID -19 global pandemic.   Please find a live document meant to aid New York City manufacturers, small businesses and entrepreneurs here.

NY State Bar Association, Courts to Launch Pro Bono Network to Help With Pandemic Response

The “pent-up demand” for legal services will be enormous, said Hank Greenberg, president of the NYSBA. Former New York Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman, who is now of counsel at Latham & Watkins, is leading the effort to organize the new network. Read more here.

Los Angeles

Office of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti (Updated 4/7/20)

L.A. Protects, an informational platform and action-oriented initiative created by Mayor Garcetti’s office was created to mobilize L.A. manufacturers to produce PPE products. Access L.A. Protects to submit your resources, request PPEs you need, access non-medical mask specs and safety precautions for PPE manufacturing practices here.

Additionally, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announces economic relief package for small businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus. Read more here.

CFDA Resources

Supply Chain and Manufacturing

Production Directory

The Production Directory is an open-access directory of over 230 fashion manufacturers in NYC and LA that helps create clearer connections between fashion designers and local manufacturers for those designers looking to shift their production to domestic facilities. Access the Production Directory here.

Local Production Fund

This grant program encourages U.S. designers to start or increase their production in NYC by matching them with manufacturers with credits to help participating designers. Learn more and apply here.

Please Note: While COVID-19 continues to shift many businesses to allow employees to work from home, this is not an option for factories and their employees. The Local Production Fund remains in place now and for the future. Given the circumstances, we will do our best to provide support as needed.

Supply Chain Collective

To ensure the supply chains of the CFDA’s designer network are strengthened, the Supply Chain Collective allows designers to gain knowledge and business connections directly with leading fashion supply chain companies. Learn more about the Supply Chain Collective here.

DHL Partnership

Should your international shipping and logistics business with DHL, CFDA’s Official Logistics Partner, be affected by the coronavirus, email supplychain@cfda.com and we will make a direct introduction to DHL’s team of specialists and share information on upcoming DHL Office Hours at the CFDA.

AAFA Partnership

The CFDA is in communication with our industry partner – American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) – to identify resources that can be made available for CFDA’s designer network. The AAFA will be closely monitoring fiscal policies that can help the design community, such as advocating for the elimination of tariffs, during this crisis. Learn more about the AAFA here.

Digital Order Processing

At this time of travel restrictions and virtual meetings over in-person gatherings, there are many services to help streamline and continue markets/sales with little interruption. Here are some companies to consider:

JOOR

Cassi Ettman; 212-673-3970; cettman@joor.com

NuOrder 

Tommy Fazio; 310-266-1468; cfda@nuorder.com

Ordre 

Caroline Adelson; 973-943-6027; caroline.adelson@ordre.com

Accenture’s views on the COVID-19 situation

The COVID-19 pandemic is a health and humanitarian crisis, and it is also an economic shock. Businesses are rapidly assessing fast-changing developments and the implications for their organizations. Accenture is helping businesses address the short- and long-term consequences. Of vital and immediate importance to all organizations is protecting their people and building supply chain resilience. The below points of view provide important insights for navigating the human and business impact of COVID-19:

Elastic Digital Workplace     Supply chain resilience

Human Resiliency                  Responsive Customer Service

Other Resources

For Resources on COVID-19-related Legal Issues, click here.

The NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) has issued the Guidance for Business Owners. Learn more here. Sign up for the most up-to-date information on business assistance from SBS here.

To learn how New York State is planning to help state business, go to The New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) here.

On the Federal level, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest federal disaster loans for small businesses suffering substantial loss as a result of COVID-19. To contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center, call 1(800)659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additionally, we encourage you to read WWD’s feature on the topic:

https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/the-international-transportation-of-goods-steps-to-take-now-1203538535/