Applications are now open for the Spring 2023 cohort of The Workshop at Macy’s, the retail industry’s longest-running retail development program dedicated exclusively to diverse-, Women-, LGBTQ-, and veteran-owned enterprises. Selected applicants will participate in a comprehensive retail curriculum and mentoring program designed to give high-potential businesses the education, tools, and resources to succeed and scale their enterprises. Applications are now open through November 30, 2022 and can be submitted at TheWorkshopatMacys.com. .
Over the last decade, The Workshop at Macy’s has grown to empower more than 195 graduate brands that have utilized the skills and experience learned to grow their businesses at Macy’s and within the retail industry at large.
In the spring of 2023, The Workshop at Macy’s will lead entrepreneurs through a monthlong program, taking place virtually and in person in New York City beginning April 24, 2022. Participants will be guided through a comprehensive program designed and led by Macy’s leaders alongside retail leaders from Babson College, Google, and Meta, among others. Course offerings include in-depth explorations on building brand identity, financial management, assortment planning, perfecting the pitch, accessing growth capital and more.
In addition to the intensive curriculum, participants will receive a $5k business grant upon completion of the program and the opportunity to enter a vendor pitch competition. The winning brand will receive a $100k business grant, a partnership with Macy’s sourcing team, and other prizes.
Retail brands are encouraged to apply for The Workshop at Macy’s 2023 vendor accelerator program through the website. To be considered for participation, an applicant business owner must be:
- A woman, veteran, LGBTQ, or of Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-Indian or Asian-Pacific descent and at least 21 years old
- Have at least 51% ownership or control of an established U.S. based business
- Produces goods that can be sold in a department store environment
- Be either a U.S. citizen or have Permanent Legal Resident Alien status
- Verification of your business as a legal entity (corporation, limited liability company, partnership, sole proprietorship)
- In business for at least two consecutive years
As part of the company’s social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s, Inc. is increasing its investment in underrepresented designers, brands and business partners, products, and service providers to amplify diverse voices, create more choices and expand opportunities for colleagues, partners, and communities.
A portion of the company’s overall $5 billion commitment under Mission Every One, scaling through 2025, will support retail and non-retail diverse-owned businesses and investments in diverse retail development programs, including The Workshop at Macy’s. Through Mission Every One, Macy’s has committed $250,000 annually in business grants to The Workshop at Macy’s program participants.
For more information on The Workshop at Macy’s, visit TheWorkshopatMacys.com. To shop the collections from past participants, visit Macys.com/Workshop.