Accessibility isn’t a priority issue in the fashion world, so it’s a rather pleasant surprise when social responsibility goes beyond the big-ticketed charity gala, in the form of a free fashion program for youth (ages 16-29). Toronto Fashion Incubator is partnering with Youth Employment Services (YES) for A Passion for Fashion, a four-month initiative that will bring together participants from across the city.

“We look at it as a way of introducing concepts of fashion to entrepreneurship for youth living in Toronto’s underserved neighbourhoods,” explains TFI executive director Susan Langdon (pictured above). “It’s more about education rather than a business proposition for TFI.”

A $70,000 youth entrepreneurship grant for non-profits from the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services made the program happen, with a four-month-long series of workshops exploring fashion and small business know-how beginning in August.

Participants will also have the chance to compete in a “Fashionista’s Den” competition; the winning pitch of a line to an expert panel grabs $1,000, a one-year TFI membership and 50 hours of business advisory and fashion mentorship.

Orientation sessions are scheduled throughout June. For a list of dates and locations, visit www.tinyurl.com/yestfi.