Design2Manufacturing

             FELLOWSHIP           

ISAIC’s Design2Manufacturing program offers two competitive fellowship opportunities to introduce designers to the process of bringing their designs to life through an advanced manufacturing project. Supported by JP Morgan Chase Bank, the goal of the program is to expand access to ISAIC equipment and expertise to support local fashion designers. 

Over the Course of 6 Months, PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE $10,000 AND…

Deepen knowledge

They will deepen their knowledge of the skills and processes needed to sustainably and efficiently direct the manufacturing of their products.

Master the Basics

They’ll learn the basics of industrial sewing and product design through the latest technologies and innovations available through ISAIC.

GAIN access to Expert advice

They’ll have access to industry experts to guide them on pattern making, pricing, business development, and more to prepare them to manufacture a sample run of their own custom product.

Who is eligible?

  • Detroit or Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw county residents

  • Must have an active business that is not currently manufacturing domestically 

  • Must be eligible to receive taxable income (SSN, ITIN, EIN) 

  • Must be 18+ years old

  • Open to individuals or small (2-3 people) teams

The Jurors

BRENNA LANE

A former ISAIC board member and co-founder of Detroit Denim with 12+ years of experience in the apparel industry at the intersection of operations, technical design and entrepreneurship.

JONATHAN WEST 

Senior Manager of Global Product R&D Design at Carhartt and brings a future-focused perspective on fashion and functionality in the apparel industry. 

timeline

MAY 5, 2025

Call Opens

JUNE 23, 2025

Call Closes

AUGUST 20, 2025

Winners Notified

SEPTEMBER 20, 2025

Program Starts

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Milestone 1: Prototype Ready for Feedback Session

MARCH 20, 2026

Milestone 2: Sample Ready for Small Batch Production


For more information please contact us at

education@isaic.org

And Watch Our Q&A Session from May 20th, 2025


APRIL 23, 2026

Participation in ISAIC Honors

YOHANNAN (YOGI) TERRELL 

An award winning integrated marketing specialist with over 15 years of progressive experience in advertising and engagement, Terrell leads the Columbus Fashion Alliance, empowering the city to be a world-renown fashion capital where brands and creatives come to launch and grow their fashion based businesses.