Australian sustainable handbag and accessory brand Ahimsa Collective, has been chosen for the Dreamstarter campaign by Australian bank ING.
Founded by Tessa Carroll and Susie Hemsted in 2017, the brand produces high-end accessories made from innovative, sustainable, would-be waste materials such as pineapple leaves, sustainably forested washable paper and post-consumer plastic bottles.
The brand also donates $5 from every sale to an Australian charity which is making positive changes to the planet.
The Dreamstarter campaign aims to help launch and grow start-up businesses by providing funding, raising the business' profile and imparting financial knowledge and advice. ING has pledged funding of $10,000 to Ahimsa Collective if the business can raise its goal of $20,000.
The money will go towards creating a second collection, expanding its online presence, growing its community and in the long-term releasing a men's range.
Ahimsa Collective co-founder and creative director Tessa Carroll, said that the fashion industry can serve as a catalyst for change.
"The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, second only to oil and gas.
"Additionally, Australians are the second-largest consumer of new textiles (after the US) meaning we have a huge global part to play in the Industry's waste and feel a responsibility to change this.
"For us, as global citizens, designers and retailers, we feel that fashion is an incredible vessel for change, steering the consumer market towards a greener future."
If Ahimsa Collective reaches its stretch-goal of $50,000, the business will be able to heighten its focus on a greener future, as it will be able to explore the development and production of its own upcycled textiles.