Press

New York, NY – March 21, 2025 – The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC), a pioneering initiative supported by Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development, is pleased to announce the first recipients of its $10,000 grant program. Selected from a highly competitive pool of over 60 applications from across the state, these eight winning projects exemplify innovation, sustainability, and the collaborative spirit needed to revitalize New York’s textile industry.

NYFIC’s grant program supports researchers, farmers, manufacturers, and designers working to advance sustainable and locally made textiles. The grants catalyze new ideas, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the circular supply chain across the state. This first group of winners reflects the diversity and creativity of New York’s fashion and interior design industries.

The eight grant recipients include:

1. Kristina Collins, Kristina Collins, LLC – Researching efficient processes for finishing New York woven wool, creating a farm-to-fashion roadmap to scale production and expand opportunities for local wool growers and manufacturers.

2. Jon and Kelly Shultes, Yarn Designs Unlimited, LLC – Implementing a water recycling system for their hand-dyeing fiber studio in Schoharie, NY. The system will reduce water consumption by up to 60%, increasing sustainability and production efficiency​.

3. Teju Adisa-Farrar, Black Fiber & Textile Network (bftn) – Developing regenerative home décor in collaboration with New York-based Black farmers, natural dyers, and emerging manufacturers. The collection—featuring an accent chair, lamp, and pillow—will be crafted from regeneratively grown fibers and upcycled materials, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and circular design.

4. Nick Coyle, Nick Coyle, LLC – Creating handmade carpets using New York State sourced fibers and natural dyes. This project connects agriculture and design, emphasizing sustainability and craftsmanship.

5. Melissa Conroy & Paige Tomfohrde, Cornell University – Building a farm-to-fashion school supply chain for knitwear by developing yarn suitable for industrial knitting machines in NYS fashion schools. This project aims to educate and inspire future designers around local fibers​.

6. Laura Sansone, New York Textile Lab, LLC – Developing Climate Beneficial™ yarns and woven textiles by blending NY wool and alpaca with upland cotton from black-owned farms, fostering regional manufacturing and sustainable practices​.

7. Mari Stefano and Karen Oddo, Graze Woolens, LLC (D/B/A Graze) – Launching a farm-to-closet initiative to create high-quality wool sweaters using New York-sourced and manufactured yarn. This project highlights the potential of local wool in sustainable fashion.

8. Jessie McNaughton, McRea, LLC – Establishing a sock knitting mill in Rochester, NY, to address supply chain gaps and empower fiber farmers by transforming raw fleece into finished, market-ready products​.

“The first round of grant recipients demonstrates the incredible potential of NY’s textile industry,” said Susan Easton, Product & Marketing Director of NYFIC. “These projects not only address pressing sustainability challenges but also create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation across the state.”

“This grant program is a critical step in building a sustainable, connected textile industry in New York,” said Ken Simons, Director of NYFIC. “We are thrilled to support these talented individuals and teams as they develop impactful solutions for the future of fashion and interiors.”

In addition to funding, the grant recipients will receive:

• Mentorship: Provided by NYFIC’s consortium of six organizations, including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Hudson Valley Textile Project, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Made X Hudson, SUNY Morrisville, and Field to Fiber.

• Visibility: Opportunities to showcase their projects at NYFIC-hosted events.

• Resources: Connections to local mills, farms, and designers to support project implementation.

Engaging the Community: NYFIC encourages all applicants to stay engaged with the initiative through workshops, networking events, and future grant opportunities. The next round of applications will open April 15, 2025.

For more information about NYFIC and the grant program, visit nyfic.org/grants.

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About the New York Fashion Innovation Center
The New York Fashion Innovation Center (NYFIC) was created to advance New York’s sustainable and circular textile industry. By connecting farmers, researchers, manufacturers, and designers, NYFIC accelerates innovative solutions using natural fibers and next-generation biomaterials for fashion and interiors.

Through its consortium members—including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Hudson Valley Textile Project, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Made X Hudson, SUNY Morrisville, and Field to Fiber—NYFIC strengthens the textile ecosystem, champions sustainable practices, and supports the development of a resilient local supply chain.

Media Contact:
Susan Easton
Product & Marketing Director
347-524-5488
susan.easton@nyfic.org