Lucid seeks lucky break

The future of Victorian fashion business association the Lucid Business Network hangs in the balance following a restructuring of the body's funding streams.
The Lucid Business Network is currently funded jointly through Victorian state government street enhancement scheme the Streetlife Program and the local councils of Melbourne, Yarra and Stonnington, but Lucid coordinator Kirsty McBeth claimed the organisation risked closure unless it could find a future sponsor.
"Government restructuring means the Streetlife Program will come to an end in mid-2006, which means the future of the local council funding is uncertain, since it was designed to match the Streetlife funding," she explained.
Lucid - whose membership includes renowned Melbourne labels Gwendolynne, Sisnme, Ess Hoshika and Vixen - assists in developing small businesses in the fashion and textile industry, offering members publicity and marketing support, event management and skills training assistance.
It also provides financial assistance for marketing and business development initiatives and advice on sourcing of sponsorship and public funding.
McBeth said the organisation had prepared corporate sponsorship proposals and was targeting companies "in line with Lucid's philosophy."
"We would like to form alliances that can be of benefit both to Lucid itself and the sponsoring company," she added.
McBeth added that if suitable funding was found it might be possible to establish Lucid as a nationwide presence assisting the fashion industry across Australia.
"It's a very isolated industry with very little assistance, so it's highly beneficial for young designers to have a network that offers support, advice and resources to assist in developing their business," she said.