The Fashion for Business Programme is also referred to as the CTFC’s Competitiveness Programme.

The Fashion for Business Programme (F4B) was implemented by the CTFC as a pilot in late 2009, designed to empower and aid local fashion designers to become more competitive entrepreneurs. The 2009/2010 participants include designers from four fashion sectors; Craig Native (Streetwear), Stiaan Louw (Menswear), Jacoba Clothing (Eveningwear), Undacova (Intimate Apparel). In addition to these participants, the CTFC extended programme workshops to all of its members, ranging in topics from ‘Sourcing & Supplier Management’ to ‘Retailing & Sales’. The designers in the F4B Programme worked one-on-one with Industry Mentors and Specialized Mentors, to tackle individual business challenges. As a result, programme participants have experienced growth and successes such as retail and manufacturing opportunities as well as collaborative support on new ranges.

The CTFC has managed to leverage several partnerships within the industry to support this programme and its mentees including: Foschini, Woolworths, House of Monatic, Monviso, the CPUT Technology Station in Clothing and Textiles, Cape Union Mart, Bowman and Gilfillan and many more.

In conclusion of the pilot programme, a roundtable series addressing each sector of the fashion industry will commence with the input of local experts and stakeholders. Each sector roundtable will bring key players together for an open forum on the challenges, resources and opportunities within their area of the fashion business. The CTFC is proud to be the pioneer in bringing these issues to the forefront, and highlighting the specific nature of fashion sectors, using the F4B companies as the starting point for a conversation series.

For more information regarding this programme please contact our offices on

+27 21 461 1498 or info@ctfc.co.za.