"The incredible success of our first Workshop this Spring, paves the way for a new set of entrepreneurs who are hungry to learn from our stable of experts about the ways they can grow their ventures," said Shawn Outler, Macy's group vice-president of Multicultural Merchandising and Vendor Development. "The support and information made available to Workshop participants is invaluable in taking these businesses to the next phase of growth."
The Workshop at Macy's allows selected participants to collaborate with fellow aspiring vendors, gain access to industry experts and solicit one-on-one business coaching. The course work includes classes on merchandising and assortment planning, marketing, EDI, financial management, and access to capital.
"The entire week served as a revelation for participants, who had many breakthrough moments. You could see things starting to click for them as the week progressed," Outer said of the first class. "While many participants came in focused on pitching their lines, at the conclusion of the course work, they came away understanding how merchants think and how to build that relationship," Outer continued. "The financial management sessions led by Elizabeth Thornton of Babson College, were especially eye-opening. Every element of the Workshop at Macy's was designed to enhance and create long-term success for their businesses."
Macy's is now accepting entries for consideration. To be eligible, an applicant must be the majority (51percent or more of equity) owner, co-owner or otherwise have operational control (per applicable status rules) of a business that has been in operation for a least two consecutive years and be its primary decision maker.
Eligible applications will include a 250-word biographical statement, look book/line sheets or images of product including costs, resumes on all owners, financial statements for the business for two years, fall within the minority and women-owned definition of the program and provide verification of the business as a legal entity (i.e. Corporation, LLC, etc.), among other requirements.
Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by Sunday, January 22, 2012 by 11:59pm ET. All information including full program requirements are available online at www.macysinc.com/workshop.