Do you want to develop an online store, work on revamping your business strategy or branding, or even redefine your marketing strategy? Do you have a VAT number (SMART or Jobyourself) and have already launched products and services, with points of sale, and now wish to focus on a specific goal?
MAD Fly is a mentoring program aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs who want to develop their business. As your business takes shape, it will go through different stages, and important strategic decisions will arise. These decisions are often complex, and it can be wise to seek external support for guidance. A good mentor can be a valuable asset for entrepreneurs, advising and guiding them toward new perspectives.
Over the course of a year, MAD Brussels offers you access to 15 hours of individual coaching sessions and group sessions with external experts working in the fashion or design field. Your progress will be closely monitored by MAD's business advisors, and you will be invited to follow our cycle of seminars, workshops, and individual "Ask the Expert" coaching sessions to develop your project.
The topics covered will include sourcing & production, branding, sales channels & distribution, communication and public relations, pitching, as well as financial aid and available subsidies.
The MAD Fly coaching program will be overseen by the MAD Business team. This program was created with the support of the Ministry of Economy of the Brussels-Capital Region.
This individual coaching programme is being offered to 4 Brussels-based companies in the fashion or design sector, with a maximum value of €3,600 including VAT. Together with our expert team, the 4 chosen companies will receive support in setting up their international business development strategy (brand & product positioning, production, distribution strategy, pricing, internationalization, image and communication, collaborations, etc.).
Specifically, the MAD Fly coaching program involves 15 hours of individual coaching spread over 1 year, from 1st of January 2025 to 31st of December 2025. Depending on the type of product your company has to offer, additional activities will be proposed during the course of the program.
Be based in the Brussels Capital Region and have a Belgian VAT number
Be in business for at least 1 year
In fashion: have produced at least 1 collection
In object/textile/industrial/urban/scenography/collectible design: Have produced at least 1 object or 1 commissioned project
Have a development strategy
Have a communication strategy
Have at least 1 point of sale in Belgium or internationally
Finance & Management: draft business plan or financial plan
Product: adequacy of product and marketing
Image: quality of the collections and products presented
Strategy: adequacy of the development and communication strategy
Motivation for the requested support
Sustainable, inclusive and/or innovative character of the project
This call for applications open from 16/10/2024 until 24/11/2024.
PHASE 1 — Selection of applications
Applications will be accepted until 24 November (00:00), after which applications can no longer be accepted.
Following documents are required to be enclosed with the application form:
CV
Business plan
Latest financial balance sheet or financial plan
Most recent lookbook or catalogue
PHASE 2 — Jury
The Jury will be held at MAD on Wednesday 4 December 2024 – Timeslots TBC
PHASE 3 — Announcement
Announcement of the winners: not later than 11 December 2024. A kick-off meeting with the experts will take place on 16 January 16 2025.
You can download the application rules below.
Please contact Peggy Acke : Peggy.acke@mad.brussels.