The Local Production Fund (LPF), a pilot grant program under the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) developed in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), launches today as the next step in CFDA’s ongoing investment in New York City’s fashion manufacturing sector.

The original Fashion Manufacturing Initiative was created in 2013 to support New York City fashion manufacturers in modernizing their equipment and facilities. 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 Local Production Fund builds on that foundation — designed to strengthen the direct relationship between designers and manufacturers, expand the use of advanced production capabilities, and generate more consistent, local production opportunities for NYC-based factories. The program is made possible by the NYCEDC’s investment, early industry support from Andrew Rosen, TWP, and the American Apparel & Footwear Association, with additional partners to be announced.

The program begins with factories. New York City-based contract manufacturers are invited to apply now to be considered for the approved factory list. Selected factories will be notified in mid-June and will form the pool from which participating brands will choose their manufacturing partners. Brand applications will open mid-to-late June.

Once matched, brands and factories commit to working together across three consecutive production seasons, with financial credits disbursed directly to the manufacturer on a tiered basis: 75% in the first season, 50% in the second, and 0% in the third — intentionally structured to build sustainable working relationships that outlast the program itself.

Factory applications open on April 20^th 2026. Learn more and apply here.