![David Bush: Lead mentor for 2014 Fashion Incubator Program. [Main image: Wendell Levi Teodoro @Zeduce. org.]](http://yaffa-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/yaffadsp/images/dmImage/StandardImage/Wendell - source 38_147B9600-9F5F-11E3-A3E8005056A302E6.jpg)
A new program to help local fashion labels build global brands has secured backing from two Australian fashion icons.
QUT Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA) has confirmed that both David Bush and Kirstie Clements have joined its new business development program, Fashion Incubator.
Bush, founder of David Bush Consulting, will participate in the venture program with CEA as the lead mentor for selected designers.
Clements, former editor of Vogue Australia, will be amongst the panel of experts who will select the four innovative businesses to take part in the structured mentoring program in Brisbane.
The Accelerator Program has been designed for innovative and commercially focused companies with the aim to help Australian-based designers develop the skills and confidence needed to strategically manage their fashion venture, build a global brand and attract investment.
The CEA Fashion Incubator will manage the project and act as both advisor and case manager. The program will be delivered by a range of professionals, led by Bush and will involve face-to-face mentoring sessions, workshops, site visits, industry promotions, networking events and more.
The selected designers are expected to be announced in early March 2014.
The QUT Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA) Fashion Incubator has also confirmed that applications are now also open for the 2014 Indigenous Emerging Designer Scholarship.
The Indigenous Emerging Designer Scholarship, now in its second year, supports Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers to develop the skills and confidence they need to launch a career in fashion.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers from outside the Brisbane area are encouraged to apply.
Residency in Brisbane is not a requirement however the selected designers will be expected to work on site in Brisbane during key times in the fashion production calendar. Travel and accommodation for theses visits will be supported through the scholarship.
The Scholarship provides entry into the Brisbane based, CEA Fashion Incubator’s Emerging Designer Program, where commercially-driven designers, with the passion and drive to develop a fashion venture, receive monthly one to one mentoring from industry professionals covering business and range development.
Membership includes full use of incubator equipment, a personal studio space, Wifi, access to a design library and member rates for workshops and masterclasses.
For further information contact Cynthia Macnee: (07) 3337 7920; Cynthia.macnee@qut.edu
www.creativeenterprise.com.au/fashion