Cut & Launch Incubator
Your first collection done right
This is not a workshop series or a networking group. Cut & Launch is a 24 week program built for designers/emerging brands who are serious about launching a real clothing line - with finalized patterns, finalized samples, production, legal formation and a go-to-market plan in place by the time they complete the program.
Who Is This For
This program is built for designers who:
Have a clear brand concept but haven’t yet built a production-ready collection, formed a legal business, or mapped out a go-to market strategy
Are committed to launching their line within the next 12-18 months
Can commit a minimum of 3 hours a week to structured program work (2-hour group session + 1 hour of individual mentoring) for the full 24 weeks
Are ready to do the work - this program moves fast, and it assumes you will show up prepared
This incubator is not a fit for established brands with existing production history, or for anyone treating this a casual side interest. Every cohort is limited to 6-8 participants, and every spot is reserved for someone ready to build.
The Application Process
Because the cohort is small and the mentoring intensive, every candidate goes through an interview and vetting process before acceptance. This isn’t a formality - protects the caliber of the cohort and ensures every participant is at a stage where six months of focused work will actually move them towards launch.
How it Works:
Submit an application - brand concept, current stage, and your intended launch (application at bottom of page)
Attend group info session - receive a program overview, ask any relevant questions, review pricing and payment structure
Interview - a conversation to assess readiness, commitment and fit with the cohort
Acceptance decision - candidates are notified whether they’ve been offered a seat in the upcoming cohort
Spots are limited and cohorts fill on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended.
What You’ll Leave With
By program completion (week 24), every participant has completed:
Design & Production
5-7 production-ready technical flat sketches
A completed tech pack with a spec sheet and measurement chart
5-7 finalized production ready patterns
5-7 production ready samples
A sourcing plan for fabric, trim and hardware with a list of suppliers for each category
A full costing sheet across al production tiers
A documented production strategy with an identified manufacturer
Brand Identity
A completed Brand Identity Brief (customer profile, aesthetic POV, positioning, brand voice, visual identity)
A finalized mood board and colour palette
A brand name cleared for trademark and registered or queued for registration (please be advised: program participants are required to cover any related costs)
Legal Business Formation
A registered business entity (LLC in most cases), EIN, and business bank account (please be advised program participants are required to cover any related costs)
DBA registration where applicable
Core contract templates: contractor, wholesale, consignment, collaboration, NDA
A trademark clearance search and filling strategy
Business Planning
A complete business plan: executive summary, market analysis, customer profile, product strategy, operations, and financial projections
Pricing strategy across retail, DTC and consignment
Marketing & Sales
A social media strategy with content pillars and posting cadence
A brand storytelling framework - origin story, founder narrative, and campaign voice
A sequenced 90-day post incubation-completion launch plan
A defined sales channel strategy
How The Program Works
Cut & Launch is a 6 moth incubator with over 5 phases, moving a designer from concept through legal formation, design and sampling, brand building, and finally business planning and launch prep. Each phases closes with tangible deliverables and a cohort peer critique, culminating in a closing presentation to an invited industry panel.
Every week combines group instruction with individual mentoring, so you’re getting both structured teaching and one-on-one guidance tailored to your brand specifically - not a generic curriculum.
Mentoring & Support
Weekly group sessions with your cohort
Weekly 1:1 mentor sessions throughout the full program
Structured workshops on brand storytelling, social strategy, and business planning
Formal progress assessment ant key milestones
Peer critique sessions at the close of every phase
Cohorts are kept intentionally small - small enough for genuine trust and honest critique, large enough for real peer learning
FAQ’s
How long is the program? 24 week (6 months), combining weekly group sessions with individual mentoring
How much time do I need to commit? Meaningful weekly time between group sessions, 1:1 mentoring and independent work - sketching, sourcing, revisions, and homework from your mentor. Full expectations are covered during the interview
Do I need an existing collection or registered business already? No. This program is designed for designers with a strong concept who haven’t yet built out production, legal formation, or go-to-market - not for brands with existing production history.
What if I already have a business entity or some samples done? That’s fine - the interview will help place you appropriately and tailor your program to your specific needs.
How many people are in each cohort? Cohorts are 6-8 participants. They are kept intentionally small to preserve the mentoring model and peer critique culture.
How does the application process work? Submit an application, attend group info session, complete an interview, receive confirmation or denial of acceptance. All candidates are vetted before seat is offered.
Is the incubator offered remotely? Yes. Remote access is allowed. In person one-on-one mentoring sessions and limited group sessions are preferred but we will accommodate remote participants.
What do I actually leave with? Finalized, production-approved patterns, finalized production approved samples, tech pack, sourcing contact list, registered business entity, trademark filing strategy, complete business plan, and a launch plan.
What’s the cost? Total program investment ranges from $5000-$9000 per participant, depending on collection complexity and participant service needs. The payment structure is a deposit followed by monthly installments through the program - full details are shared during the interview.
When does the next cohort start? Fall 2026
Ready to build? Apply now