The Workshop at Macy’s, described by the company as the retail industry’s longest-running vendor accelerator program, is open for applications through November 30, Macy’s announced.
Designed to help underrepresented brand owners, founders and designers level up their businesses, The Workshop at Macy’s communicates retail industry knowledge, provides resources and offers mentorship, according to Macy’s. Founded in 2011, the workshop program has aided more than 250 graduate brands and provides more than 500 hours of education, Macy’s said.
Macy’s leaders designed the program, the company stated, along with industry experts from organizations including Babson College, Google and Meta. Course offerings include in-depth explorations of crafting brand identity, assortment planning, building financial management skills, perfecting pitches and accessing growth capital.
During the month-long program, which will take place virtually and in the retailer’s New York City offices, participants can access Macy’s holistic supplier ecosystem, critical education, funding resources and new customers through participation in pop-up shops on macys.com, as well as $250,000 in business grants annually. All participants will receive a $5,000 business grant upon program completion and the opportunity to enter a vendor pitch competition, with the winning brand awarded a $100,000 business grant among other prizes.
As part of the program, Macy’s reported, brands will also be introduced to the company’s S.P.U.R. (Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach) Pathways: a multiyear, multifaceted funding program developed to advance entrepreneurial growth, close wealth gaps and shatter systemic barriers faced by underrepresented businesses and operations serving underrepresented communities.
