Canadian Creative Accelerator for Fashion Companies 2024 Program, hosted by the High Commission of Canada in the UK, and the Consulate General of Canada in New York
The Canadian Creative Accelerator (CCA) is a joint initiative of the High Commission of Canada in the UK and the Consulate General of Canada in New York (functioning under the banners of the Trade Commissioner Service and Global Affairs Canada, working in partnership with the Department of Canadian Heritage). This program aims to increase the scope and global reach of Canadian creative industries companies in the fashion sector. Geared equally towards the UK and US markets, this CCA is aimed at emerging and established fashion companies who are ready for international growth.
This iteration of the CCA will launch in January 2024 and is open exclusively to Canadian fashion companies. The objective of the program is to create tangible economic outcomes and business growth for the fashion companies who participate in this CCA.
The program is open to fashion companies who meet the following criteria:
- Their company operates and is based in Canada;
- Their company maintains a current and active commercial fashion business;
- They can prove the company’s financial and creative viability;
- They can effectively demonstrate how their company would benefit from exposure to the UK and US markets.
Program Overview
This cohort will participate in approximately three weeks of programming spread over three months, running from January 2024 through to March 2024. During this period, participants will have a unique opportunity to gain access to influential UK- and US-based showrooms, sales agents, retail buyers, strategists, marketing experts, and other key decision-makers in the UK and US fashion industries. Participants will take part in curated workshops and meetings with industry experts, one-to-one pitch sessions, coaching, mentorship, and other online business development activities.
Please note: this program will be delivered exclusively through virtual sessions, although select in-person programming may be offered to companies attending NY Market Week in February 2024.
A panel of UK and US industry professionals will be part of the jury to select up to ten Canadian companies whose collections and/or businesses have the most likelihood of success in the UK and US markets. Selected companies will be notified of acceptance into the program in December 2023.
Only those that can commit to the full scope of the program should apply. Exact dates for programming in January-March 2024 will be clarified upon acceptance into the program. All programming will be delivered in English.
Applications close at 11:59pm EST on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Applications will be accepted in English or French, however we encourage applicants to apply in English if possible, given the jury members will be primarily English speaking.
The Canadian Creative Accelerator is committed to the inclusion of individuals which represent a diversity of voices. To ensure this commitment is strong and continually progressive we welcome and invite any feedback at the end of this application.
