UK's ASOS, FMR Unveil scaleUP to push ethnic minority fashion brands

Ethnic-minority owned businesses face numerous barriers to success. A report from London Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that Black and Asian people face hurdles in setting up and running businesses, including struggling to access funding, and that ethnic minority owned businesses have lower success rates compared to their White counterparts. ScaleUP is designed to address these challenges by removing barriers and providing access to funding and support, FMR and ASOS said in a joint press release.

Developed collaboratively, the programme will provide two successful candidates with insight and guidance from leading industry experts, wholesale opportunities including the launch of one collection available exclusively on ASOS, and one year of mentorship from business leaders. The two successful businesses will also have the opportunity to pitch for up to £20,000 of funding each to support their growth.

In addition, the programme will also onboard up to five additional emerging brands who will benefit from workshops, talks, and the opportunity to showcase their brand as part of the February 2024 scaleUP press and buyers showroom.

Applications for scaleUP are open from May 31–July 9. FMR and ASOS are calling for ethnic minority founders of UK-based fashion brands (whether Ready to Wear (RTW) Womenswear, RTW Menswear, or Accessories), who have been running their business for less than 5 years, to apply.

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel of judges who include Daniel Peters, founder of the (Fashion) Minority Report; Vanessa Spence, senior creative director, ASOS; Jordan Mitchell, co-founder of Good Culture Inc; Navi Ahluwalia, editor, Hypebae; Antonia Omisesan, co-founder and chief operating officer, Gbemi; Nick King, director of fashion jewellery, home and lifestyle, Rainbowwave; and Jo Hunt, head of partner brands, ASOS with more judges to be announced soon.

“As any brand founder knows, the path to success in the fashion industry can often feel challenging, but as someone who is an ethnic minority, the barriers are often greater to break through. Through our partnership with ASOS, we can’t wait to deliver a programme that provides opportunities, and the relevant building blocks for scalability to ethnic minority business owners,” said Daniel Peters, the founder of the (Fashion) Minority Report.

“ASOS is passionate about enhancing diversity within the fashion industry by dismantling the obstacles encountered by ethnic minority-owned brands. We want to both empower established businesses with a promising vision and nurture emerging talent seeking that extra boost to get into the industry. Through ScaleUP, we’re searching for vibrant, captivating brands that resonate with our fashion-loving ASOS customers and are highly trend-led, relevant, and fashionable, at accessible prices,” said Vanessa Spence, senior creative director at ASOS.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)