Business Proposal for a Fashion Line – SS3 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (First Term)

A business proposal for a fashion line is a written plan that tells a reader what your brand is, what you will sew, who will buy it, how much money you need and when you will start. It opens with a short summary and ends with a timeline and a vision for growth.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state what an executive summary of a fashion business proposal contains;
• describe a “hero” product, the fabrics and the price range of a fashion line;
• describe the target customer, the competition and the work location;
• list startup costs and running costs, and work out the profit on one item;
• draw up a simple three-month action plan for a new fashion business.

What goes in the executive summary?

The first page of your proposal is the most important. If it is boring, the reader will stop there. It is a summary of your whole plan.

1. The name of your line. What is the brand called? (e.g. “Starlight Stitches” or “OBA Couture”).
2. Your mission statement. In one sentence, what do you want to achieve?
   • Example: “To provide affordable, high-quality school uniforms for every child in this local government.”
3. The problem you are solving. Business is about solving problems.
   • Are clothes in your area too expensive?
   • Is the finishing of other tailors poor?
   • Is there no one making ready-to-wear corporate shirts?

   Write down the gap you are filling.

How do you describe your product and style?

On this page, you describe what you are actually going to be sewing. You cannot just say “everything.”

1. The “Hero” product. What is that one thing you do better than anyone else? This is your “Hero.” If it is high-waisted trousers, focus on that.
2. Materials and fabrics. Explain what you will use. Will you focus on local Adire? Or imported silk? Explain why these fabrics are the best choice for your customers.
3. The price range. You need to show that you know your “level.”

How do you show that you understand your market?

You need to prove to the reader that people actually want to buy what you are making.

1. Who is the customer? Describe them like you know them.
   • “My customer is a working-class woman, aged 25 to 40, who wants to look professional but stylish on a budget.”
2. Competition. Who else is sewing near you?
   • Do not say “I have no competition.” Everyone has competition.
   • Explain why a customer will choose you over the tailor at the bus stop. (Maybe you are faster, or you offer free home delivery.)
3. Location. Where will you work? Even if it is from your dining table at home, explain how that space will be organised to handle orders.

What goes in the financial plan?

This is the part that scares many tailors, but it is just basic maths. You need to show how much you need and how you will pay it back.

1. Startup costs (what you need to buy now). List the big items:
   • Industrial machine: ₦250,000
   • Cutting table: ₦40,000
   • Ironing station: ₦30,000
   • Initial fabrics: ₦50,000
2. Running costs (monthly expenses).
   • Thread, needles, electricity, transport.
3. Profit goal. If a dress costs you ₦4,000 to make and you sell it for ₦7,000, your profit is ₦3,000. How many dresses do you need to sell to pay your rent and feed yourself?

What goes in the action plan?

A proposal without a date is just a wish. You need to show that you have a schedule.

1. Month 1: Setup. Buying machines, setting up the shop, and sewing the first “Sample Collection.”
2. Month 2: Marketing. Taking photos, launching the WhatsApp catalogue, and telling friends and family.
3. Month 3: Launch. Taking the first set of orders and delivering them.
4. The “Growth” vision. Where do you see this business in 2 years? Do you want to have 5 apprentices? Or a shop in the big mall? End your proposal with a vision that excites people.

A business proposal is like a map. It might change as you travel, but it keeps you from getting lost. Keep it simple and honest, and make sure the numbers add up.

Evaluation

1. What is a business proposal for a fashion line?
2. List the two things a mission statement and the name of the line must tell the reader in the executive summary.
3. Explain the difference between a budget line and a luxury line.
4. A dress costs ₦4,000 to make and sells for ₦7,000. What is the profit on one dress?
5. Write the three stages of a three-month action plan.

Assignment

Choose an imaginary fashion line. Write a one-page proposal outline that gives the name of the line, a one-sentence mission statement, the problem it solves, the “Hero” product, a description of the customer, and a Month 1 to Month 3 action plan.