F.A.S.T Accelerator Program

Fashion Advancement & Startup Training

About the Program

FAST (Fashion Advancement & Startup Training) is a 6-week hybrid accelerator program designed to support emerging and early-stage African fashion entrepreneurs in building strong, structured, and scalable fashion businesses.

The program focuses on strengthening business foundations, refining brand identity, improving market and export readiness, and encouraging sustainable practices within fashion businesses. FAST combines virtual learning with hands-on, in-person training, expert mentorship, and industry exposure.

Who Should Apply?

This program is for fashion founders who want to scale with structure, not guesswork. It is ideal for:

Emerging and early-stage fashion brands ready to grow beyond small runs.
Designers and creative entrepreneurs who want stronger business systems, pricing, and operations.
Fashion founders looking for brand clarity, mentorship, and growth readiness.
Designers building scalable fashion businesses, with clear production plans and sales targets.
Founders are ready to use technology to scale, from digital design tools to content, e-commerce, and customer data.
Brands seeking access to funding opportunities and investor readiness support, and willing to position their business for internal funding and growth capital.

We welcome passionate designers committed to building sustainable, future-ready fashion businesses across Africa.

Program Structure

Duration: 6 Weeks
- 2 Weeks Virtual Learning
- 4 Weeks Physical Training (Lagos)
Cohort Size: 25 participants
Format: Hybrid

What Makes F.A.S.T. Unique?

F.A.ST. is designed to deliver practical, actionable impact, not theory.

The program stands out because:

The curriculum is shaped by a Needs Assessment, ensuring relevance.
Learning is hands-on and business-focused.
Participants receive structured mentorship from industry professionals.
Designers gain direct access to FashionEVO and 360Creative Hub’s network of industry players, including buyers, mentors, production partners, media, and ecosystem partners, opening up real opportunities for visibility, collaborations, and market access.

The program blends global best practices with African market realities.
Peer learning and community-building are central to the experience.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will:

Have improved business structure and operational clarity.
Strengthen their brand identity, positioning, and storytelling.
Be better prepared for growth, market expansion, and opportunities.
Gain access to mentorship and a growing fashion entrepreneur network.
Graduate with a clearer business direction and actionable next steps.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Run an emerging or early-stage fashion business.
Be available for the full 6-week program.
Participate in the Needs Assessment process.
Be open to mentorship, collaboration, and learning.
Demonstrate commitment to applying program insights to their business.

How to Apply

Click the application button below
Complete the application form
Fill out the Needs Assessment survey
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next steps

Apply Now: https://bit.ly/FASTAccelerator2026

About the Organisers

FashionEVO

FashionEVO is a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting African fashion and supporting designers through innovative programs, events, and strategic partnerships. Our mission is to elevate the African fashion narrative on a global scale, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and creativity.

360 Creative Innovation Hub

360Creative Innovation Hub is Nigeria’s pioneering fashion co-sewing and business acceleration hub, built to solve two major growth barriers for African designers: limited production capacity and weak business structure.

We exist to help African fashion and creative entrepreneurs move from talent to sustainable business. Through our co-sewing and production support spaces, training programs, and access-to-market platforms, we support designers to build structure, improve product quality, and reach paying customers locally and globally.

Together, FashionEVO and 360 Creative Innovation Hub are committed to empowering the next generation of African fashion entrepreneurs to thrive locally and internationally.

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