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New York, NY – April 10, 2025 – The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC), a statewide initiative supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development (ESD), will open applications for the second round of its $10,000 grant program on April 15, 2025. The program supports farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and designers who are building a more sustainable, resilient, and locally connected textile ecosystem in New York State.

NYFIC awarded its first round of grants in March 2025 to eight projects representing a wide range of work—from regenerative home décor and wool dyeing innovation to regional knitwear manufacturing and education. This next round will continue to advance NYFIC’s mission to foster innovation and collaboration across the state’s fashion and interiors industries.

Round Two applications will be accepted from April 15 through June 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with grant recipients announced in Fall 2025. A virtual Q&A session will be held on April 22, 2025 at 12 p.m. ET.

Grants are open to New York-based individuals, businesses, and organizations with projects that align with NYFIC’s focus areas:

• Sustainable Fiber Cultivation and Processing for Textile Development 

• Next-Generation Biomaterials and Manufacturing 

• Textile Supply Chain and Infrastructure Development

• Sustainable Textile Applications for Fashion and Interiors

In addition to funding, grantees will be offered:

• Project mentorship from NYFIC’s statewide consortium of researchers, manufacturers, designers, and business advisors

• Virtual three-month business accelerator focused on customer discovery, business planning, go-to-market strategy, and brand positioning

• Opportunities to showcase their work at NYFIC-hosted events and statewide gatherings

• Sourcing support through the Northeast Fiber Exchange (NEFX), a regional initiative strengthening access to New York-grown natural fibers

• Access to the upcoming NYFIC Lab, a new facility for fiber and textile prototyping, testing, and development opening at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in December 2025

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "New York's fashion and textiles sector is evolving in revolutionary ways—from farm to runway. Through NYFIC, we're empowering the entire ecosystem: farmers cultivating sustainable fibers, researchers developing cutting-edge materials, manufacturers reimagining production methods, and designers creating the future of fashion. Together, we're building a more resilient, innovative, and interconnected supply chain that positions New York as a global leader in sustainable textile innovation."

The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC) was established under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership with a nearly $9 million investment from Empire State Development to revolutionize New York's textile industry. This initiative connects farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and designers to advance sustainable and circular textile practices statewide. Through partnerships with consortium members like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Fashion Institute of Technology, NYFIC supports projects from sustainable fiber cultivation to next-generation biomaterials, strengthening local supply chains while positioning New York at the forefront of fashion innovation. The center's grant programs, including the upcoming $10,000 awards opening April 15, 2025, reflect the state's strategic investment in combining economic growth with environmental sustainability across New York's fashion sector.

“The range of projects in round one reflected just how many different paths there are toward a more sustainable textile future,” said Susan Easton, Product & Marketing Director of NYFIC. “With round two, we’re excited to continue supporting the people and ideas driving change across New York’s textile landscape.”

For more information about NYFIC’s grant program, visit nyfic.org/grants.

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About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About the New York Fashion Innovation Center
The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC) was created to advance New York’s sustainable and circular textile industry. By connecting farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and designers, NYFIC accelerates innovative solutions using natural fibers and next-generation biomaterials for fashion and interior design.

Through its consortium members—including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Hudson Valley Textile Project, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Made X Hudson, SUNY Morrisville, and Field to Fiber—NYFIC strengthens the textile ecosystem, champions sustainable practices, and supports the development of a resilient local supply chain. For more information, visit nyfic.org and follow us on Linkedin. 

Media Contact:
Susan Easton
Product & Marketing Director
347-524-5488
susan.easton@nyfic.org