Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to enter into an advanced-pay sponsorship/grant agreement with CMH Fashion Week dba Columbus Fashion Council, a local registered non-profit organization up to $40,000.00 in support for the 2025 High Fashion Tea Runway Show and FWCURVE Runway Show and Afterparty Marketplace.
The Columbus Fashion Council is a non-profit organization providing scholarships for fashion design students and a platform for local and emerging fashion designers. They seek to expand the fashion economy in Central Ohio through a combination of industry growth initiatives, community organizer support, funding access opportunities, and creative program development.
This event will offer a one-day workforce development and small business incubation program focused on Central Ohio’s fashion and beauty industries. It supports emerging designers, models, stylists, photographers, and production crew, many of whom are freelancers or early in their careers. In partnership with Aveda Institute Columbus, cosmetology students gain hands-on experience providing hair and makeup under professional conditions. This initiative helps keep talent rooted in Columbus while strengthening Central Ohio's fashion economy. Up to $7,500.00 of food and non-alcoholic beverage expenses are authorized under this grant.
FISCAL IMPACT: This ordinance authorizes a transfer and expenditure of $40,000.00 in the Neighborhood Initiatives Subfund for entrepreneurship programs.
EMERGENCY JUSTIFICATION: is requested to ensure that funding can be disbursed as soon as possible to ensure no disruption to operations for this non-profit organization.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to enter into a sponsorship/grant agreement with CMH Fashion Week dba Columbus Fashion Council, a local registered non-profit organization up to $40,000.00; to authorize the advancement of funds; to autho...
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