Fashion Business Industry Program (F112)
Program Description
Program Overview
Our two-year Fashion Business Industry diploma program offers a blend of business management and technical skills necessary for small- to medium-sized businesses in the apparel fashion industry. This entrepreneurial-focused program will guide you through crafting a comprehensive business plan essential to launching or managing a business. You'll gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria and apparel merchandising while learning to apply marketing, accounting, financial and other business concepts essential for thriving in the fashion business industry.
Full Description
The Fashion Business Industry, a two-year diploma program, gives you a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the fashion industry, from product knowledge to marketing and small-business management.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are thriving in the fashion industry, presenting a promising gateway for aspiring professionals. These companies demand individuals with strong management skills to steer them from the start-up phase to more advanced business models. Our program equips you with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to lead a successful small fashion business.
Program Requirements
All classes are in person. However, access to a personal laptop, desktop computer and reliable Internet will maximize your learning.
Your Field Education Options
Students with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher may apply to take the Field Education elective in second year when available.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The majority of fashion businesses are small- to medium-sized enterprises. The apparel industry is a major employment sector in Canada.
Educational Pathways
Graduates who successfully complete this program with an established minimum grade may be eligible for admission to George Brown College postgraduate programs, including International Fashion Management (F412).
Students who successfully complete this program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may be eligible for admission to fashion programs at other post-secondary institutions.
For further information, see the Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| FASH 1008 | Visual Merchandising |
| FASH 1082 | World of Fashion |
| FASH 1083 | Introduction to Sewing and Drafting |
| FASH 1107 | Fabric Science: Textiles |
| FASH 1144 | Economics |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1031 | Fabric Analysis |
| FASH 1036 | Basic Accounting Principles |
| FASH1 128 | Apparel Construction Techniques 1 |
| FASH 2003 | Fashion Merchandising and Buying |
| FASH 2004 | Apparel Marketing |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMP 1174 | Adobe Illustrator |
| FASH 1142 | Apparel Drafting Techniques |
| FASH 1143 | Apparel Construction Technique |
| FASH 2008 | Apparel Marketing – Advanced |
| FASH 2069 | Business Planning for Entrepreneur |
| FASH 2070 | Logistics and Costing for Fashion Industries |
| QC 1003 | Quality Assurance and Applications |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1091 | History of Costume |
| FASH 2071 | Financial Management for the Entrepreneur |
| FASH 2072 | Business Ethics |
| FASH 2080 | Retail Operations |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| Choose one Program related elective from the list below. | |
*Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Electives
*Program elective choices vary from semester to semester. These are examples of some of the program elective courses that may be offered:
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1033 | Technical Illustration |
| FASH 1086 | Adobe Photoshop for Fashion |
| FASH 1187 | Colour & Trend Forecasting |
| FASH 2048 | Textile Laboratory |
| FASH 2050 | Draping |
| FASH 2054 | Portfolio Development |
| FASH 2055 | Fashion Show Production |
| FASH 2073 | Sales Management |
| FASH 2076 | Fashion Project and Event Planning |
| FASH 2082 | Fashion Journalism – An Introduction |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Use basic apparel drafting and construction skills and industrial sewing machines to complete apparel products.
- Use standard fashion industry computer software for business and for design development.
- Manage daily operations, resources, visual merchandising and customer relationships to ensure profitability in a retail enterprise.
- Develop a business and finance plan for a small apparel enterprise that reflects awareness of market conditions, resources required and cash flow.
- Apply appropriate buying, merchandising and accounting practices to support small business operations in the fashion industry.
- Apply supply chain management and logistics to operate a successful fashion business.
- Develop, communicate and implement a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
- Analyze economic, fashion and industry trends to make business decisions in small- and medium-sized apparel enterprises.
- Evaluate products by applying quality control processes to meet appropriate standards.
- Identify textile materials, asses their suitability and compatibility and select accordingly for end use.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
+ Books and additional supplies are not included in tuition fees and must be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
Basic computer literacy and skill level in Word and Excel are recommended.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Fashion and Jewellery
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4840
Email: fashionandjewellery@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered out of our School of Fashion and Jewellery and classes take place at our Casa Loma Campus, located at 160 Kendal Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada.
On-campus Open House sessions are held on a regular basis. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an info session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour today! You can also check out our virtual tour.
Fashion Business Industry Program (F112)
Program Description
Program Overview
Our two-year Fashion Business Industry diploma program offers a blend of business management and technical skills necessary for small- to medium-sized businesses in the apparel fashion industry. This entrepreneurial-focused program will guide you through crafting a comprehensive business plan, which is essential to launching or managing a business. You'll gain an understanding of textiles, garment construction, quality criteria, and apparel merchandising, while learning to apply marketing, accounting, financial, and other business concepts essential for thriving in the fashion business industry.
Full Description
The Fashion Business Industry two-year diploma program gives you a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the fashion industry, from product knowledge to marketing and small-business management.
Small and medium-sized enterprises are flourishing in the fashion industry and represent a great opportunity for entry into this field. Smaller companies require employees with a range of management skills to manage a business from the start-up stage to more developed business models. Through this program, you'll gain skills and knowledge essential to running a successful small fashion business.
Program Requirements
The Fashion Business Industry program requires you to have access to a personal laptop or desktop computer, and reliable Internet access for synchronous classes.
Your Field Education Options
Students with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher may apply to take the Field Education elective in second year.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
The majority of fashion businesses are small- to medium-sized enterprises. The apparel industry is a major employment sector in Canada.
Educational Pathways
Graduates who successfully complete this program with an established minimum grade may be eligible for admission to George Brown College postgraduate programs, including International Fashion Management (F412).
Students who successfully complete this program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher may be eligible for admission to fashion programs at other post-secondary institutions.
For further information, see the Transfer Guide.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Courses
Required Courses
Printable Curriculum Planner 2024-2025
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1008 | Visual Merchandising |
| FASH 1082 | World of Fashion |
| FASH 1083 | Introduction to Sewing and Drafting |
| FASH 1107 | Fabric Science: Textiles |
| FASH 1144 | Economics |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts** |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1031 | Fabric Analysis |
| FASH 1036 | Basic Accounting Principles |
| FASH 1128 | Apparel Construction Techniques 1 |
| FASH 2003 | Fashion Merchandising and Buying |
| FASH 2004 | Apparel Marketing |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1142 | Apparel Drafting Techniques |
| FASH 2008 | Apparel Marketing – Advanced |
| FASH 2069 | Business Planning for Entrepreneur |
| FASH 2070 | Logistics and Costing for Fashion Industries |
| COMP 1174 | Adobe Illustrator |
| FASH 1143 | Apparel Construction Technique |
| QC1003 | Quality Assurance and Applications |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1091 | History of Costume |
| FASH 1143 | Apparel Construction Technique |
| FASH 2071 | Financial Management for the Entrepreneur |
| FASH 2072 | Business Ethics |
| FASH 2080 | Retail Operations |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
| FASH | Program Elective (choose one)* |
**Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 (Introduction to College Communication) before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course. Please visit Assessment Centre for more information.
Electives
*Program elective choices vary from semester to semester. These are examples of some of the program elective courses that may be offered:
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| FASH 1033 | Technical Illustration |
| FASH 1086 | Adobe Photoshop for Fashion |
| FASH 1187 | Colour & Trend Forecasting |
| FASH 2082 | Fashion Journalism – An Introduction |
| FASH 2048 | Textile Laboratory |
| FASH 2050 | Draping |
| FASH 2054 | Portfolio Development |
| FASH 2055 | Fashion Show Production |
| FASH 2073 | Sales Management |
| FASH 2076 | Fashion Project and Event Planning |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Use basic apparel drafting and construction skills and industrial sewing machines to complete apparel products.
- Use standard fashion industry computer software for business and for design development.
- Manage daily operations, resources, visual merchandising and customer relationships to ensure profitability in a retail enterprise.
- Develop a business and finance plan for a small apparel enterprise that reflects awareness of market conditions, resources required and cash flow.
- Apply appropriate buying, merchandising and accounting practices to support small business operations in the fashion industry.
- Apply supply chain management and logistics to operate a successful fashion business.
- Develop, communicate and implement a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
- Analyze economic, fashion and industry trends to make business decisions in small- and medium-sized apparel enterprises.
- Evaluate products by applying quality control processes to meet appropriate standards.
- Identify textile materials, asses their suitability and compatibility and select accordingly for end use.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
+ Books and additional supplies are not included in tuition fees and must be purchased by the student separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 Math (M or U) or grade 12 (C or U)
Basic computer literacy and skill level in Word and Excel are recommended.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Fashion and Jewellery
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4840
Email: fashionandjewellery@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is offered out of our School of Fashion and Jewellery and classes take place at our Casa Loma Campus, located at 160 Kendal Ave., Toronto, ON, Canada.
On-campus information sessions are held on a regular basis. Come and have your questions answered. Learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom. Sign up for an info session.
Campus tours are offered on a regular basis. Sign up for a campus tour today! You can also check out our virtual tour.
