August 10, 2023 — The Fibers Fund has welcomed its first five grantees:
- Seattle-based Botanical Colors received support to set up data management systems that will enable it to improve income projections and secure additional contracts.
- Oregon-based Fibrevolution will use the grant to enable its first funding round, allowing it to access additional investment capital to support its planned flax mill for linen production.
The following grantees are part of the inaugural Black Fiber Cohort, created by Fibers Fund Co-Managing Director Teju Adisa-Farrar. This cohort will provide tailored support to Black fiber entrepreneurs as their businesses grow and better position them to secure other forms of capital.
- Kept Studio (Brooklyn, NY), led by Kesiena Onosigho, is a textile studio, natural dye processor, and knit manufacturing processor. The grant will support accounting, business structure set-up, and planning to obtain a permanent studio with garden space.
- ROOLĒ (Durham, NC) by Gordon Holliday is an upcycled and bio-fashion brand focused on reworking natural fibers. The grant will support the development of a local regenerative supply network, specifically partnering with a local Black organic cotton farmer and a local manufacturing partner.
- MAHDIYYAH (Ewing, NJ), Mahdiyyah Muhammad’s eponymous brand, is a zero-waste fashion label with a focus on upcycled apparel of cotton, linen, and wool. The grant support will facilitate the sourcing of U.S. soil-based textiles and natural dyes for a research-based collection and hiring for expansion.
About the Fibers Fund
The Fibers Fund is a project of Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) and Fibershed with Mission Driven Finance. Grants from the Fibers Fund are specifically designed to help fiber businesses unlock other sources of capital. The fund was launched earlier this year, followed by its selection for the 2023 Transformative 25 list. Learn more at fibersfund.com.
