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 you will encounter in your future career.

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

Career Options

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 co-ordinator
  • marketing assistant
  • pre-production co-ordinator
  • transportation co-ordinator
  • 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.

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.

"The fashion business industry program applied a multidisciplinary approach that prepared students for independence in the fashion industry. It was through this combined approach that students learned the intricacies of business and fashion in order to effectively manage, design and implement their ideas in the field. The professors and community are enthusiastic and encourage growth within the fashion and jewelry arts programs. Through a combination of awards, contests, research projects, and events, every student is provided ample opportunity to demonstrate their individuality within the supportive community at GBC."

Merve Zeybekoglu
Ontario College Diploma

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