Created from the understanding that talent alone is not enough to build a sustainable fashion business, the Fashion Advancement and Startup Training (F.A.S.T) Accelerator, a joint initiative by FashionEVO Programmes and 360Creative Innovation Hub, recently trained emerging entrepreneurs with strategic business tools and core operational skills to build competitive and sustainable brands.
  
The inaugural cohort held at the British Council, Lagos, featured a pitch, graduation ceremony and certification delivered as a 100 per cent fully funded, zero-cost programme for selected founders.
  
Throughout the programme, participants completed intensive physical and virtual sessions covering brand positioning, financial literacy, storytelling, marketing, business pitching, and strategic expansion.
  
The event also featured a business showcase enabling founders to present their collections directly to facilitators, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners.
  
In her remarks during the ceremony, Founder and CEO of FashionEVO and YD Company, Dr Yetty Ogunnubi, said: “F.A.S.T Accelerator was conceived as a platform where emerging fashion entrepreneurs could strengthen their business knowledge, understand their markets, develop practical strategies, and gain the confidence to take their businesses to the next level. This first cohort is the beginning of a long journey of growth and impact.”
  
Managing Director, 360Creative Innovation Hub, Blessing Ebere Achu, also highlighted the importance of creativity and collaboration in driving the success of the F.A.S.T cohort, while expressing appreciation to the facilitators, judges, British Council and participants for their contributions and encouraging the graduates to make the most of the opportunity ahead.”
  
Deputy Country Director at the British Council, Chilufya Besa, commended the graduates and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the creative economy: “Today is about recognising your commitment, creativity, and hard work, but more importantly, it is about celebrating what comes next.”
  
The central highlight was the F.A.S.T Pitch Competition, where 10 finalists presented their business models, market opportunities, and growth plans.

The competition entries were evaluated by a distinguished panel of creative economy leaders and business experts: Director of Programmes and Partnerships, LEAP Africa,Amabelle Nwakanma; Founder, Grow Enterprise Africa, Remi Ademiju; Managing Director, OSC Group, Sola Babatunde and Arts Project Officer, British Council, Onodugo Ikechukwu.

First place winner in the pitch competition, Moses Agosu (MAK), was awarded a ₦500,000 cash prize from FashionEVO, strategic business consultation, brand visibility, and a showcase slot at the upcoming FashionEVO Lagos. The second place winner, Elizabeth Funmilayo Aweda (Fúmi), was awarded business consultation, brand visibility, and inclusion in future FashionEVO retail and showcase initiatives and in third place, Kusoro Samson (Kush Atelier), who was awarded business consultation, brand visibility, and showcasing opportunities.

All top three winners additionally received British Council gift packages and a three-month onboarding opportunity with the Idozi Collective Retail Store.
PHOTO SLUG: F.A.S.T