The 2024 Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) Grant Fund recipients were announced early December, with over $1.1 million invested to 18 businesses.

The FMI Grant Fund offers partially matching grants to New York City based contract manufacturing facilities committed to improving their services through innovation and technology. Since 2013, the fund has invested over $6.1 million across New York City’s manufacturing network and impacted the work of 2,042 employees.

This year’s recipients include: Button Down Factory, Carina, Dream Fashion, Emmelle Design, Glory Apparel, Heartland Manufacturing, In Style USA, Knit Resort, Polytime Atelier NYC, Rainbow Leather, Refine Studio, Rosagna Hernandez, Sunrise Studio, The Embroidery House & Son II, theTEN Atelier, Timberlake Studios, TÔMTEX, and Trimworld.

We surveyed a selection of our grant recipients to learn more about the impact the FMI Grant Fund will make on their workforce and businesses, why local manufacturing investment is important, and what makes New York City a strong place to build relationships between designers and local makers.

More on the FMI Grant Fund recipients, and 350-plus additional local U.S. manufacturing resources can be found on the CFDA’s Production Directory here.

BUSINESS IMPACT FROM THE FMI GRANT FUND

“By upgrading our equipment, we’ve experienced a significant boost in our business operations within just a few months, we’ve seen a transformative impact, allowing us to expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet growing demand. This growth has enabled us to train three additional team members, reflecting how this grant is directly contributing to both our operations and the development of skilled workers in our industry.” – Jose Ballena, The Embroidery House & Sons

“The grant is super helpful for updating the studio, manufacturing has slim margins and this grant helps keep our machinery updated, which makes the workers happy!” – Alison Barone, Polytime Atelier NYC

“The FMI grant provided an immediate cash injection directly to our factory. We invested substantially in high-tech machinery, equipment, technology, and worker training sessions for apparel production. We can now produce the most cost-efficient and high-quality products and implement the mini workers’ training program.” – Peter Chan, Sunrise Studio

“The grant will help us scale production, create more local jobs, and invest in advanced equipment to make our sustainable materials more accessible. It directly supports our team by providing training opportunities and ensuring we continue to grow together.” – Uyen Tran, TOMTEX

“The FMI Grant will empower Knit Resort to scale its operations while staying true to its ethos of craftsmanship and innovation. Knit Resort will be able to invest in machinery and AI technology needed to advance production and streamline operations. It also enables us to purchase a vast collection of heritage knitwear machines and linkers to blend traditional artistry with modern innovation, significantly enhancing the business to offer pieces with an element of handcrafted authenticity.” – Traci Reed, Knit Resort

“We were able to purchase updated machinery, making it possible to sew more efficiently and produce a higher quality garment. With better efficiency, we can facilitate increased production capacities for our clients. A few of these machines have also given us the opportunity to offer new services to clients. This has helped expand our business and offerings. Our employees are very happy to be working with updated machines and are acquiring new skills.” – Paula Steven, Carina

IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING LOCAL MANUFACTURING

“By keeping production local, businesses contribute to the city’s economy through wages, taxes, and business growth. It helps keep skilled artisans and factory workers employed, contributing to the city’s economic vitality.” – Rick Lipson, Rainbow Leather

“Local manufacturing keeps jobs in our community, reduces environmental impact, and allows us to work closely with partners who share our values. It ensures high-quality production while supporting a more sustainable and resilient economy.” – Uyen Tran, TOMTEX

“We believe that by working with a domestic manufacturer, companies have the ability to be more hands-on in their production process. They are able to have more control over lead times, quality assurance and costs. Additionally, domestic manufacturing supports the local economy by creating new job opportunities and keeping the NYC garment district alive.” – Paula Stvan, Carina

“I have always strongly believed in sharing my knowledge to keep the art of craftsmanship alive. Supporting local manufacturing is vital in preserving and cultivating these skills. We are dedicated to teaching the new generation of manufacturers, who will, in turn, shape and inspire the next generation of designers. This approach ensures that both the artistry of making and the creativity of design continue to evolve together, sustaining the expertise that makes our work truly unique.” – Jose Ballena, The Embroidery House & Sons

“New York’s local manufacturing thrives on the expertise of its diverse immigrant workforce. By supporting local manufacturing, you take a firsthand role in contributing to that community and foster a deeper relationship with them. Crafting beautiful work in collaboration with manufacturers you’ve built strong relationships with not only cultivates their growth but also empowers them to support others on their journey.” – May Park, Refine Studio

“In these trying times, it is the difference between doing the business as usual to finding a new pathway forward. Our production team is energized and eager to learn new ways of adding automated sewing into the flow and increase efficiency.” – Mi Jong Lee, Emmelle Design

“There are still many fashion houses in the fashion district.   We need to make sure these fashion designers have access to local manufacturing so their brand doesn’t get affected as well.” – Louis Nunez, Trimworld

WHY NEW YORK CITY IS SPECIAL FOR MANUFACTURING

“Small business manufacturing is not just about business. For us, our clients become parts of our team. Because they know us, our team, our process, they become active participants in the journey, wherever it starts and ends. Manufacturers here don’t just coexist; they form an interconnected community, building relationships and supporting one another. When you choose to work with one NYC manufacturer, you tap into an entire network dedicated to helping bring your vision to life, backed by collective expertise and shared passion.” – May Park, Refine Studio

“We specialize in fine sewing and luxury garments, so it is extremely helpful for our NYC based clients to be very hands on with us.” – Alison Barone, Polytime Atelier NYC

“I have been very fortunate, as domestic manufacturing and as much as possible domestic supply chain is my focus, that the clients that are working with me, have the same goal. I truly believe that this is the way to revitalize our garment industry culturally with ethical production practices. Revitalize economically through modern machinery and preserving the innate know-how of our garment center workflow bandwidth.” – Mi Jong Lee, Emmelle Design

“Proximity to our clients allows us to engage deeply in the creative process, ensuring that every detail is executed to perfection. Our small-batch, bespoke approach embodies the spirit of NYC: bold, creative, and uncompromising in quality. By working in the heart of New York, we are preserving a rich manufacturing legacy while pushing the boundaries of innovation, making each project a testament to the city’s dynamic energy.” – Traci Reed, Knit Resort

“NYC manufacturing is a melting pot of innovation and tradition, blending diverse cultural influences into exceptional creations. Working with clients here is dynamic and rewarding—they inspire us with bold ideas and a shared commitment to excellence. The collaborative spirit in NYC is unmatched, making every project a unique experience.” – Jose Ballena, The Embroidery House & Sons

“Working with clients in NYC fosters a dynamic, collaborative environment and ensures high-quality results. Being local means faster production cycles, from prototypes to finished goods, allowing clients to bring their visions to market more quickly.” – Rick Lipson, Rainbow Leather