The National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD), the training arm of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, continues the activities of the Pre-Incubation Program in Sustainable Fashion, implemented as part of the initiatives of the Egypt Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EEIC). The program runs for 13 weeks, from August 6 to October 29, 2023.

Dr. Sherif Sherif, Executive Director of NIGSD, stated that the Pre-Incubation Program in Sustainable Ready-to-Wear Fashion is a comprehensive educational program designed to equip participants with knowledge and mentorship in the sustainable fashion industry. The program aims to help participants build business networks, develop their projects and pitches, and support them in launching their own startups in the sustainable fashion sector.

Sherif added that the program is delivered in the form of an intensive and interactive boot camp, covering various topics such as the history and evolution of the fashion industry, the ready-to-wear ecosystem, branding, production, costing and pricing, public relations and retail, as well as the fundamentals of entrepreneurship in the sustainable fashion sector and awareness of sustainable business practices.

Dr. Heba Zaki, Director of the Egypt Entrepreneurship and Innovation Services Center, emphasized that the program was carefully designed to achieve two main objectives. The first is to encourage young people interested in fashion and design to develop innovative business models for new projects in this field. The second is to integrate sustainability principles into these business ideas, as the ready-to-wear industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. Therefore, supporting this sector with innovative and sustainable solutions is crucial.

Zaki added that over 300 applicants applied for the program, and 33 participants were selected. By the end of the 13-week program, each participant will have developed a comprehensive business model for a sustainable fashion project, covering all key aspects, from product development to marketing, production, distribution, and other essential business components.

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