Published on April 21, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners I Franklin County Office of Economic Engagement and Community Development
Blake is 23 years old, born and raised in Columbus. A year ago, he didn't have a direct path into the career he wanted. Then he found the Columbus Fashion Alliance.
"CFA has undoubtedly changed my life," he told the Board of Commissioners on April 21. "I can speak from experience knowing myself and the other cohort members that this city is full of passionate, ambitious young talent who have plans to spearhead a global industry."
Blake spoke as the Board voted unanimously to approve a $1.4 million grant to the Columbus Fashion Alliance to fund the Ready to Work 2026 workforce development program. The agreement supports multiple training tracks designed to connect Franklin County residents to jobs and career pathways in the fashion and manufacturing industry.
The Ready to Work Leadership Training Program has graduated more than 60 participants with an 80 percent employment placement rate. Graduates earn an average wage increase of $7.24 per hour. According to data presented by CFA CEO Yohannan Terrell, each cohort of 30 graduates generates approximately $2.7 million in annual economic impact.
The 2026 program adds a new track: the ReWork upcycling and repair pathway. Participants will earn three federally recognized certifications, covering sewing through ISAAC standards, repair through the United Repair Center, and remanufacturing. The program is being developed in partnership with Goodwill International and Victoria's Secret, who will serve as end users for the certified graduates' skills. The track responds directly to employer feedback identifying workforce as the primary barrier to fashion and textile industry growth in Central Ohio.
Terrell also shared findings from a new economic study, "The Business of Style," which documents $9.4 billion in annual economic impact from the fashion industry in Franklin County. That figure includes $780 million in annual tax revenue, 72,000 supported jobs, and $2.3 billion in fashion-related tourism. Twenty-eight percent of all Columbus visitor spending goes to fashion.
The program expects to serve approximately 100 residents annually, doubling last year's participant count. More than 100 people apply for each cohort; current capacity accepts 12 to 20 per cycle. The 2026 expansion will bring the Ready to Work and ReWork combined intake to 60.
The grant also supports continued programming at The Loom, a fashion hub in development at a county-assisted facility purchase that has expanded the Alliance from four revenue streams to nine. Terrell said the May 23 open house will mark the first public activation of the space.
Session Date: April 21, 2026
Resolution Number: 0250-26
Commissioner(s): Board of Commissioners (unanimous)