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Three years ago I was in a serious accident that has left me disabled. Up until the accident I always tried to keep up with trends, fashion was always important as a financial service manager for one of the top five banking institutions in Canada. I have found many challenges in wearing the same fashions, being in a wheelchair makes the fit and ride of everyday clothing difficult. I have some design ideas for a clothing line that is up to date and fit specifically for people with these challenges. I am not sure how to get started, if anyone has any ideas on how to get started I would greatly appreciate any info. I believe feeling good about yourself is extremely important no matter what your situation.

Thanks, Patty

That sounds like a great idea and a worthy cause. I think you should draft a business plan, that would enable you to have direction on where you want to go and you can use this to send to potential investors. You also need to develop a brand that people will recognise. You might also have to reseach the production costs, or if you can get a company to make the designs.

In Australia there are government start-up business funding programs and websites with information, im not sure about canada but its worth checking.

It would be a very positive thing not just for the fashion industry, but also for the community so good luck! :)

yeah find organisations that are all about helping people set up a business. I did one of those gov start up business things that Ren mentioned and found it to be a very valuable experience that brings you and your plans back to earth in a realistic manner. At the end of it I have a hefty solid business plan that I otherwise wouldn't have come close to doing had I done it myself. A thorough business plan will make you ask and answer questions you'd otherwise wouldn't have thought of, identify hidden obsticles and develop solutions for them, narrowing down or broadening your target market..etc.

I personally think you've identified a good niche.

I had always wished that this forum would have a bigger designer/business audience so we could ask questions, bounce ideas, get industry contacts and the like. Unfortunately I've learnt that some don't like to share their industry contacts and secrets to success which I can respect.