The New South Wales Government is investing $200,000 to support emerging designers and fashion creatives across the state.
The Quick Response Fashion Grants are open to emerging designers, textile makers and fashion businesses, prioritising First Nations, Western Sydney, and Regional NSW creatives.
Up to $10,000 is up for grabs for eligible candidates to drive professional development opportunities and to help with the purchasing of equipment. According to the NSW Government website, the program aims to boost career progression and streamline the production of new works and new ways of showcasing those works.
“The program is a competitive, open grant process assessed using an application process,” the NSW government website reads.
“The program is open from 8 December 2025 with monthly assessment meetings, until funds are exhausted. Applications submitted by 2pm on the last Friday of each month will be grouped together for assessment. Applicants will be notified of the decision within 3-4 weeks of this date.”
Applications close on May 29, 2026 at 2pm.
This grants program forms part of the wider NSW Fashion Sector Strategy announced in August last year, the first strategy of its kind in Australia. The overall strategy includes six key priorities, including a skills and training review, the establishment of both an Australian fashion hub and a fashion and clothing smart factory, championing Australian Fashion Week, international exposure opportunities for NSW designers and connecting audiences with Australian fashion.
Alongside the quick response grant program, $250,000 in extra funding is set to help emerging designers develop export markets by showcasing their designs at the largest international industry trade show.
The NSW strategy will also roll out $300,000 to support a First Nation and emerging fashion and designers show at Australian Fashion Week, which is set to run from May 11 to 15 this year according to the website.