The Hudson’s Bay was founded in 1670 and has been a department store chain across Canada all these years, with leading in fashion, home and decor. This year the Hudson’s Bay is announcing the launch of its new campaign, the Hudson’s Bay Fashion Fund, that will help build mentorship, and support for up-and-coming BIPOC designers in Canada.

Each year the Fashion Fund will award one designer a grant of $25,000, which also includes a three-year mentorship that will help guide new designers around the obstacles of starting their own brand, especially in the retail landscape. 

The Fashion Fund was created to help accelerate racial equality in Canada which follows the recent launch of the Hudsons Bay Charter for Change. With the fashion fund, BIPOC will receive the opportunities to work alongside the Hudson’s Bay brand and network which allows the recipient to excel in skills like financial management, marketing, product sourcing, and much more. 

Photo credit: Business Wire

The Hudson’s Bay is one of Canada’s more notable brands, with 88 locations across Canada including thebay.com. Hudson’s Bay is the 5th largest e-commerce business in Canada and has been known for its assortment of businesses like fashion, designer good, home design, beauty products and much more. Over the years the Hudson’s Bay has been a leading supporter of the Canadian sports teams including the Olympics. 

“The Hudson’s Bay’s Fashion Fund is designed to nurture talent through sustained collaboration, which is so integral to setting new designers up for success,” says Tyler Franch the Vice President Fashion Director. The Fashion Fund was announced at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards, and the Fashion Fund will become a mainstay category at the awards. 

“Hudson’s Bay is taking action across all areas of its business to ensure diversity, equity and inclusion are at the forefront of how we do business. The launch of the Hudson’s Bay Fashion Fund is part of our commitment to drive change across our organization and our industry,” added Felicia Lekan-Salami, DVP, DE&I at Hudson’s Bay. 

The Fashion Fund is the right opportunity to bring together fashion and equality. Canada and The Hudson’s Bay is a story of its own when it comes to diversity and equality, and the Fashion Fund will allow BIPOC the same opportunities that everyone else has been granted, and allows for more talent to arise will the opportunities provided by The Hudson’s Bay. The application process will open in September 2021.