Get your dream off the ground through our holistic apparel brand incubator program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 13TH, 2022
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MEET OUR PARTNERS
The Stateless Incubator’s mission is to help fashion startup founders break through the barrier to entry by providing access to the resources, network, and niche expertise required to successfully launch a brand.
Selected Founders Receive:
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You will receive up to $35,000 in discounts plus up to $150,000 advanced* on these services:
Product design/development, production management, and brand design/development from Stateless
E-commerce development and growth marketing from Fifty Six
Product photography from Squareshot
Packaging development from Porter
PR from Small Girls PR
Fulfillment from Vox
*Advanced services means no upfront cost or guarantee. Rates will be paid to the service providers post launch via royalties from product sales. Exact SOWs and rates will be determined based on the specific needs of your brand.
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Our partner, Pursuit, is a community-focused lender with a mission to provide businesses with affordable loans and resources so that they can reach higher, transform, and grow.
Our incubator application process and first stage of our program is structured to give you a high likelihood of qualifying for and receiving a low interest SBA loan from Pursuit of over $100,000 to fund expenses such as inventory and marketing.
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Stateless has a global network of manufacturers and material suppliers that meet our high standard of ethical and environmental practices. We will help you setup a supply chain that is best for your specific business and product objectives.
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Our holistic 17-month program will take you from concept to launch, and set you up with the business plan, resources, network, and systems you need to continue to grow your business.
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Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) has been the premier destination for luxury fashion and goods, superior service, and an elevated retail experience for more than a century. NMG’s brands include Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Horchow.
You will have the opportunity to meet with NMG’s senior merchants to review your line and receive merchandising expertise to help refine your merchandising go to market strategy.
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Mentorship from industry experts
All applicants will receive 15-20% off any bundled subscription to the customer loyalty rewards program, Smile.io
We are focused on supporting:
Brands that make a positive impact on our planet and society
Founders from underrepresented groups
Brands with high growth potential
Brands outside the category of “high fashion/designer”
Apparel products that solve problems and fill holes in the market
Applicant Qualifications:
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We are very open to accepting applications from beginning stage companies - you do not need to be incorporated, have any products, etc. We are most interested in you and your vision.
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While fashion industry knowledge and creative vision are definite pluses, we are equally interested in founders who can demonstrate business and leadership acumen.
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In order to qualify for a loan from Pursuit, your business will need to be incorporated in NY, NJ, or PA. If you’ve already incorporated in another state, we can help you navigate transferring your place of incorporation. You do not need to live in one of these states, nor does your business need to ship from one of these states.
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We are looking for BIPOC, LGTBQ+, and/or female applicants with visions for high-growth businesses that will make a positive impact on our planet and society.
Selected Founders Contribute:
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We are not looking for full-time commitments at this stage. We know many of you will need to work a day job as your business gets going. That said, founders will need to be responsive and are expected to contribute as much time as they can to leading the product, brand, marketing, and business development decision making.
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Stateless Group will receive a minimum of 12% equity in your business in exchange for going through our incubator program. The exact terms and numbers will be negotiable.
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After being selected, it will take about 3 months to process your loan from Pursuit. During this time you will be responsible for hiring your own council for contract negotiations, incorporation fees, and any other expenses related to your business not covered by the “Founders Receive” section above.
After receiving your loan, you will be responsible for larger expenses such as materials, bulk production, photo/video production, ad spend, and non-discounted/advanced vendor service fees.
The Pursuit loan will not be required. Any capital you are able to raise/invest on your own can reduce the amount of debt you need to take on and equity you need to share.
For further details, please see our Terms & Conditions.