Fashion Business Industry Program (F112)
Program Description
Program Overview
This two-year diploma program is designed to allow you to develop a working knowledge of business management and technical skills necessary for small- to medium-sized businesses in the apparel fashion industry. The entrepreneurial aspect of this program guides you through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan, which is essential to start a new business or manage an existing business. You will gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria and apparel merchandising. You will also learn to apply marketing, accounting, financial and other business concepts necessary for the fashion business industry.
Full Description
The Fashion Business Industry two-year diploma program at George Brown College's School of Fashion and Jewellery in Toronto gives students an introduction to all aspects of the fashion industry, from product knowledge to marketing and small business management.
The small- to medium-sized business enterprise is a flourishing sector of the fashion industry and represents a great opportunity for entry into the fashion world. Smaller companies require employees who possess a variety of management skills to manage a business from the start-up stage to more developed business models. As a student in this program, you will be prepared for the roles and develop skills essential for the operation of a successful small fashion business. The entrepreneurial aspect of this program guides you through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan, which is essential to start a new business or manage an existing business.
You will gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria and apparel merchandising. You will also learn to apply marketing, accounting, financial and other business concepts necessary for the decision-making they will encounter in your future careers.
Program Requirements
The Fashion Business Industry program requires students to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, and reliable internet access for synchronous classes.
Your Field Education Options
Students with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher may apply to take the Field Education elective in second year.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The majority of fashion businesses are small- to medium-sized enterprises. The apparel industry is a major employment sector in Canada.
Educational Pathways
Graduates who successfully complete this program with an established minimum grade may be eligible for admission to George Brown College postgraduate programs, including International Fashion Management (F412).
Students who successfully complete this program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may be eligible for admission to fashion programs at other post-secondary institutions.
For further information, see the Transfer Guide.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1008 | Visual Merchandising |
| FASH 1082 | World of Fashion |
| FASH 1107 | Fabric Science: Textiles |
| FASH 1083 | Introduction to Sewing and Drafting |
| FASH 1144 | Economics |
| COMM 1007 | College English** |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1031 | Fabric Analysis |
| FASH 1036 | Basic Accounting Principles |
| FASH 1128 | Apparel Construction Techniques 1 |
| FASH 2003 | Fashion Merchandising and Buying |
| FASH 2004 | Apparel Marketing |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 2008 | Apparel Marketing – Advanced |
| FASH 2069 | Business Planning for Entrepreneur |
| FASH 2070 | Logistics and Costing for Fashion Industries |
| COMP 1174 | Adobe Illustrator |
| FASH 1142 | Apparel Drafting Techniques |
| FASH 1143 | Apparel Construction Technique |
| QC1003 | Quality Assurance and Applications |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1091 | History of Costume |
| FASH 2071 | Financial Management for the Entrepreneur |
| FASH 2072 | Business Ethics |
| FASH 2080 | Retail Operations |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| FASH | Program Elective (choose one)* |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 1007. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College courses and the requirements.
Electives
*Program elective choices vary from semester to semester. These are examples of some of the program elective courses that may be offered:
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1252 | Fashion Business Communication |
| FASH 2082 | Fashion Journalism – An Introduction |
| FASH1084 | Fashion Advertising and Promotion |
| FASH2048 | Textile Laboratory |
| FASH2050 | Draping |
| FASH2054 | Portfolio Development |
| FASH2076 | Fashion Project and Event Planning |
| FASH2077 | Textile Surface Design |
| FASH2078 | Knitwear Product Development |
| FASH1089 | Social Media for Fashion Marketing |
| GHUM1049 | Design and Colour |
| FASH1090 | Independent Study – Field Education |
| FASH1229 | Costume Production for Film and Theatre |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Use basic apparel drafting and construction skills and industrial sewing machines to complete apparel products.
- Use standard fashion industry computer software for business and for design development.
- Manage daily operations, resources, visual merchandising and customer relationships to ensure profitability in a retail enterprise.
- Develop a business and finance plan for a small apparel enterprise that reflects awareness of market conditions, resources required and cash flow.
- Apply appropriate buying, merchandising and accounting practices to support small business operations in the fashion industry.
- Apply supply chain management and logistics to operate a successful fashion business.
- Develop, communicate and implement a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
- Analyze economic, fashion and industry trends to make business decisions in small- and medium-sized apparel enterprises.
- Evaluate products by applying quality control processes to meet appropriate standards.
- Identify textile materials, asses their suitability and compatibility and select accordingly for end use.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2021. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2022 and later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
+ Books and additional supplies are not included in tuition fees and must be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
Basic computer literacy and skill level in Word and Excel are recommended.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Fashion and Jewellery
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4840
Email: fashionandjewellery@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered out of our School of Fashion and Jewellery and classes take place at our Casa Loma Campus, located at 160 Kendal Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada.
On-campus information sessions are held on a regular basis. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an Info Session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour today! You can also check out our virtual tour.
Fashion Business Industry Program (F112)
Apply Now:
Domestic StudentsProgram Description
Program Overview
This two-year diploma program is designed to allow students to develop a working knowledge of business management and technical skills necessary in the small to medium-sized business sector of the apparel fashion industry.
Full Description
The Fashion Business Industry two-year diploma program at George Brown College's School of Fashion and Jewellery in Toronto gives students an introduction to all aspects of the fashion industry, from product knowledge to marketing and small business management.
The small- to medium-sized business enterprise is a flourishing sector of the fashion industry and represents a great opportunity for entry into the fashion world. Smaller companies require employees who possess a variety of management skills to manage a business from the start-up stage to more developed business models. Students will be prepared for the roles and develop skills essential for the operation of a successful small fashion business. The entrepreneurial aspect of this program guides students through the process of developing a comprehensive business plan, which is essential to start a new business or manage an existing business.
Students will gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria and apparel merchandising. They will also learn to apply marketing, accounting, financial and other business concepts necessary for the decision-making they will encounter in their future careers.
Program Requirements
This program requires students to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, and reliable internet access for synchronous classes.
Your Field Education Options
Students with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher may apply to take the Field Education elective in second year.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
Graduates of this program will have acquired the necessary skills to be employed in various fashion industry positions in preparation for starting their own small fashion business.
Graduates are employed in positions leading to careers such as:
- Entrepreneur
- Store Manager
- Production Planner
- Operations Manager
- Sales Analyst
- Visual Merchandise Coordinator
- Marketing Assistant
- Pre-production Coordinator
- Transportation Coordinator
- Warehouse Assistant
- Wholesale Sales Agent
- Customer Service Associate
Some of our past graduates have gone on to establish their own successful businesses. Business opportunities include: small manufacturing facility, fashion contracting firm, retail operation, wholesaler, sales agent, specialty boutique and third-party logistics providers.
Industry
The majority of fashion businesses are small- to medium-sized enterprises. The apparel industry is a major employment sector in Canada.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH1008 | Visual Merchandising |
| FASH1082 | World of Fashion |
| FASH1083 | Introduction to Sewing and Drafting |
| FASH1107 | Fabric Science: Textiles |
| COMM1007 | College English* |
| FASH1144 | Economics |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH1031 | Fabric Analysis |
| FASH1128 | Apparel Construction Techniques I |
| FASH2003 | Fashion Merchandising and Buying |
| FASH2004 | Apparel Marketing |
| FASH1036 | Basic Accounting Principles |
| FASH1083 | Introduction to Sewing and Drafting |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH1143 | Apparel Construction Technique |
| FASH1142 | Apparel Drafting Techniques |
| FASH2008 | Apparel Marketing – Advanced |
| FASH2069 | Business Planning for the Entrepreneur |
| FASH2070 | Logistics and Costing for Fashion Industries |
| QC1003 | Quality Assurance and Applications |
| COMP1174 | Adobe Illustrator |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH2080 | Retail Operations |
| FASH2071 | Financial Management for the Entrepreneur |
| FASH2072 | Business Ethics |
| FASH1091 | History of Costume |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| FASH | Program Elective (choose one)* |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM1003 (English Skills)*** or CESL1003 (English Skills – ESL)*** before progressing to COMM1007. COMM1003/CESL1003*** does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
***COMM1003/CESL1003 courses will be replaced by COMM1000 Introduction to College Communication starting with Winter 2022 intake.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College courses and the requirements.
Electives
*Program elective choices vary from semester to semester. These are examples of some of the program elective courses that may be offered:
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH1252 | Fashion Business Communication |
| FASH2082 | Fashion Journalism – An Introduction |
| FASH1084 | Fashion Advertising and Promotion |
| FASH2048 | Textile Laboratory |
| FASH2050 | Draping |
| FASH2054 | Portfolio Development |
| FASH2076 | Fashion Project and Event Planning |
| FASH2077 | Textile Surface Design |
| FASH2078 | Knitwear Product Development |
| FASH1089 | Social Media for Fashion Marketing |
| FASH1159 | Design and Colour |
| FASH1090 | Independent Study – Field Education |
| FASH1229 | Costume Production for Film and Theatre |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Use basic apparel drafting and construction skills and industrial sewing machines to complete apparel products.
- Use standard fashion industry computer software for business and for design development.
- Manage daily operations, resources, visual merchandising and customer relationships to ensure profitability in a retail enterprise.
- Develop a business and finance plan for a small apparel enterprise that reflects awareness of market conditions, resources required and cash flow.
- Apply appropriate buying, merchandising and accounting practices to support small business operations in the fashion industry.
- Apply supply chain management and logistics to operate a successful fashion business.
- Develop, communicate and implement a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
- Analyze economic, fashion and industry trends to make business decisions in small and medium-sized apparel enterprises.
- Evaluate products by applying quality control processes to meet appropriate standards.
- Identify textile materials, asses their suitability and compatibility, and select accordingly for end use.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and later dates.
+ Books and additional supplies are not included in tuition fees and must be purchased by the student separately.
International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 Math (M or U) or Grade 12 (C or U)
Basic computer literacy and skill level in Word and Excel are recommended.
** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Fashion and Jewellery
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4840
Email: fashionandjewellery@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered out of our School of Fashion and Jewellery and classes take place at our Casa Loma Campus, located at 160 Kendal Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada.
On-campus information sessions are held on a regular basis. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an upcoming session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up today! You can also check out our virtual tour.
