(AIBI), a 501©3, is the only official organization in Illinois specifically dedicated to the needs of the sewn products industry. (AIBI) a 501 (c) 6, is the only official organization in Illinois specifically dedicated to the needs of the fashion, apparel and sewn products industry. AIBI is comprised of the major players in Greater Chicago whose careers and business expertise span all facets of th
e industry including design, manufacturing, merchandising, sales, retail, marketing and finance. AIBI is here to nurture and support designers based in Greater Chicago and Illinois and are constantly developing new programs to better serve and promote the community and industry as a whole. (AIFI) a 501(c) 3 is the educational, charitable and philanthropic arm of the Apparel Industry Board. AIBI programs and services:
The Richard Driehaus/AIBI Purchase Order Loan Program, which is unique to the City, is a specialty financing program which assists Chicago area designers. This program allows Chicago designers the ability to accept and fill orders from retail outlets with the loan covering their initial costs of fabric and trims, manufacturing, etc. It has granted more than $890,000 since its inception in 2003. publishes the ‘AIBI Directory of the Illinois Apparel and Sewn Products Industry’. This directory is unique to Chicago and is a complimentary service and an invaluable resource guide to the industry. Teaches the ‘how to’ of properly costing your product. A must for successful businesses. Marsha Brenner, Executive Director of the Apparel Industry Board reviews in detail, one garment from each attendee’s line at the Costing Seminar that takes place quarterly. Speed Networking is a fantastic after work event that allows members of the industry to connect with other business professionals. Designers, contractors, pattern makers, sales reps, fabric wholesalers, public relation specialists, advertising agencies etc. attend these quarterly events. The Chicago Fabric & Trim Show, held twice annually, is the only show of its kind in the Midwest and attracts up to 500 buyers from as far away as California, Nevada, Florida and Canada. This show features more than 100 national fabric and trim resources that cater to small businesses. This service to the sewn products industry allows Chicago entrepreneurs, as well as manufacturers, the opportunity to purchase and review new and current fabric locally, at wholesale prices. Complimentary ‘Line Critique’ – An opportunity to introduce yourself and your line to the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. and to have your line reviewed by an industry professional to see if you are on the right track.
‘Mentoring Program’ One on one sessions that have assisted hundreds of entrepreneurs start their own business in many different kinds of sewn products. This consulting service plays a vital role by taking designers through the manufacturing process and passing along the ‘know how’ to produce their line in the City of Chicago. The ‘Business of Fashion’ is an annual, comprehensive educational seminar series of eight weeks, led by top industry professionals. These professionals give hands-on instruction on how to jump-start a new company or supercharge an existing business. The goal of these professional seminars is to help designers create and polish their management, marketing and business skills. Fashion Shows produced by AIBI have allowed the world to know about the talent that is based in Greater Chicago, starting with the Chicago Is shows, the iconic CHICAGO IS...RED HOT!!!, and the newer Chicago Showcase event.
‘Trade Show 101’ a class on ‘how to’ work a trade show and best present and sell merchandise to retail buyers is especially honed for the needs of participants of the RED HOT DESIGNER INCUBATOR as well as all trade shows.. administers the Stanley Paul Foundation which annually awards scholarships for college fashion design students. More than $200,000 has been awarded since inception in 1990. The Cash and Carry Fabric and Trim Show is open to students, entrepreneurs, home sewers, quilters, young designers, etc. This sale has a two fold purpose; it offers buyers the opportunity to obtain normally unobtainable fabrics and trims at greatly reduced prices and also allows designers to sell left over yardage. Additional projects and services: the Employment Pool, a monthly ‘E-News’ Newsletter for members, a Hot Line for industry problems and questions.
