RESHORE

Over the past 3 decades, the U.S. apparel manufacturing sector has been completely offshored. Now, only 3% of garments worn in the U.S. are actually made domestically. The fashion industry is now the second largest polluting industry on earth, contributing 10% of global greenhouse emissions and widespread exploitation of workers, 93% of whom are not paid a living wage, with the majority being subjected to unsafe working conditions. In Cincinnati's West End neighborhood, unemployment is nearly double (12.85%) the local average (5.8%).  Sew Valley’s RESHORE program aims to address this and grow the local apparel manufacturing industry, create more living-wage jobs, and promote ethical, sustainable practices in the fashion sector leading to a growing industry for our region.

Sew Valley’s RESHORE program will address the critical gap between the current state of the global fashion industry, and solve it on a local level. Our RESHORE program will introduce advanced manufacturing solutions and workforce training in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood resulting in more living wage jobs, and a growing industry for our region. 

The new hub will double Sew Valley's footprint, acquire cutting-edge technologies, and rebuild the region’s apparel manufacturing capacity. It will also feature dedicated classrooms for the "Fundamentals of Industrial Sewn Production" (FISP) program, training industrial sewing machine operators. FISP offers paid training to help workers master advanced apparel technologies, fueling economic progress and reshoring the U.S. apparel industry.

Cincinnati’s manufacturing base, which is already above the national average, presents a unique opportunity for growth. By investing in workforce development, Sew Valley will generate diverse, fairly paid jobs, and enhance sustainable practices, benefiting both the local economy and the broader industry. This initiative can train hundreds annually, supporting a resilient manufacturing ecosystem while helping to reshape the future of the apparel industry in the U.S. to one that is equitable for both people and the planet.

Sew Valley’s RESHORE expansion impacts the local sewn trades industry which predominantly is woman-run and operated (80%) as well as our immediate neighborhood in Cincinnati’s West End, which is predominantly Black (81.4%.) This programming expansion solves a skilled labor shortage for the growing textile demand in our region, and provides new manufacturing skills that have all but evaporated from the U.S. 

Our target population for the FISP program consists of low-income individuals in underserved communities throughout southwestern Ohio. This group faces significant barriers, including limited access to quality education, affordable housing, healthcare, and economic opportunities, often due to systemic inequities.

By partnering with trusted community organizations like Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses and the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, we aim to address these challenges with a comprehensive approach. These organizations have deep roots in the community and offer vital services that we will leverage to create sustainable change.

Through this collaborative effort, we will help individuals and families break the cycle of poverty, improve their quality of life, and create pathways to greater economic mobility and long-term success while also putting Cincinnati on the map as a great place to live, work, and manufacture.

Sew Valley is uniquely positioned to deliver the RESHORE program due to our deep roots within the West End, as well as our longstanding, intentional partnerships with local organizations that reflect the values and needs of the neighborhoods. Our entire team are residents of Cincinnati, and we’ve worked for years alongside the people and organizations that make this city vibrant. Our proximity to the communities we service ensures we not only understand the challenges they face but also actively engage in shaping the solutions.

Sew Valley has a dedicated team working on this idea. Each team member brings a unique perspective, with varying backgrounds, ages, races, and training experiences. Some have higher education experience, while others have gained expertise through hands-on work in the industry. This diversity enhances our ability to approach challenges creatively, foster an inclusive work environment, and ensure that our programs are accessible and effective for a broad range of individuals. 

Sew Valley is committed to building collaborative, sustainable solutions, and we have established meaningful partnerships with organizations like the Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses, the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, Elementz, and Heartfelt Tidbits. These partnerships will allow us to work alongside trusted community leaders who share our goal of economic empowerment, access to resources, and workforce development. 

Sew Valley’s RESHORE expansion is not just driven by our team, but by the community itself. Through our partnerships and community engagement, we will ensure that the solutions we offer are grounded in the lived experiences and goals of the people we serve, making them both relevant and sustainable. Together we will put Cincinnati on the map as a great place to live, work, and manufacture.

Given Sew Valley’s successful history of on-the-job training, educational workshops, as well as the high demand we have received for our services since 2017, we are well positioned to expand our footprint and introduce this programming effectively and realistically, yielding positive results for many years to come. Manufacturers, brands, entrepreneurs, and the workers we train will all benefit from this workforce development, leading to a growing industry for our region. 

Sew Valley has made significant strides in preparing for the next phase of our RESHORE expansion, which will introduce advanced manufacturing practices alongside new workforce development training opportunities, the Fundamentals of Industrial Sewn Production (FISP) program. FISP, licensed through the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) in Detroit, has successfully implemented this program in over 10 cities nationwide, providing training that bridges the gap between basic skills and industry-standard practices in industrial sewn production. While we have not yet launched the FISP program locally, we have invested time in learning from ISAIC’s experience, gathering feedback from other cities, and ensuring that this curriculum aligns with the needs of both our local workforce and the advanced manufacturing ecosystem we aim to foster in the region.

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sewvalley.org/reshore

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Sew Valley’s RESHORE program is innovative because it integrates advanced manufacturing technology with workforce development to address the critical gap in U.S. apparel manufacturing. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on automation or labor, RESHORE bridges these elements by combining state-of-the-art equipment with a comprehensive, paid training program for industrial sewing machine operators. This dual approach ensures that technology is not just adopted but is paired with a skilled, local workforce ready to support and advance it.

What sets RESHORE apart from similar initiatives is its focus on Cincinnati’s West End, a historically underinvested community. By establishing an advanced manufacturing hub here, we’re not just reshoring jobs—we’re creating sustainable, living-wage opportunities in an underserved neighborhood. This holistic model, which includes workforce development, local job creation, and technology adoption, sets a new standard for the future of U.S. apparel manufacturing.

The program has the potential to catalyze broader impacts by demonstrating that reshoring can be both technologically advanced and equitable. By training workers in high-demand skills like industrial sewing and smart manufacturing, it will help scale a resilient, sustainable ecosystem that others in the apparel sector can replicate. This could shift the apparel industry toward localized, sustainable production while promoting a more diverse, skilled workforce, thus changing the landscape of U.S. manufacturing and setting a new benchmark for inclusivity and sustainability in the industry.

Our impact goals for the RESHORE program center around three key outcomes: creating living-wage jobs, reshoring apparel manufacturing to the U.S., and building a sustainable, skilled workforce for the future of the industry.

1. Job Creation and Economic Mobility: The jobs created will provide meaningful economic opportunities in a historically underserved community, helping to break the cycle of poverty and offering career paths that do not require a four-year degree.

2. Reshoring U.S. Apparel Manufacturing: We aim to reintroduce advanced, sustainable manufacturing methods to the U.S., specifically in apparel production. 

3. Workforce Development and Skills Training: Our third goal is to train at least 20 individuals annually in advanced manufacturing and industrial sewing skills through our paid Fundamentals of Industrial Sewn Production (FISP) program. This training will empower participants to obtain stable, well-compensated jobs, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for the evolving needs of the industry.

We measure our impact on job creation and retention and economic development with the following:

• Number of jobs retained/created

• Number of entrepreneurs renting studios or hourly use of our facilities

• Number of trainees trained

• Number of job placements with with external employer partners post FISP training

• Volume of production as an indicator of growing reshoring demand and the Cincinnati region as a player in the industry

Outcomes are measured with:

• Payroll, production, educational, & rental records

• Economic impact modeling

10 Full Time

2 Part Time

Seven Years. Sew Valley was founded in 2017

At Sew Valley, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered. We believe that diversity in our team enhances creativity, drives innovation, and strengthens our overall performance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we strive to create an environment that promotes respect, understanding, and collaboration. Our commitment to DEI is reflected in our hiring practices, employee development programs, and community engagement initiatives, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Sew Valley’s RESHORE program operates on a hybrid business model that combines social impact with sustainable revenue generation. Our key customers are U.S. apparel manufacturers and local workers, with beneficiaries including the broader Cincinnati community.

Key Products and Services:

1. Advanced Apparel Manufacturing: We provide U.S.-based, high-quality apparel production using advanced manufacturing technologies. This enables manufacturers to reshore production at competitive prices while ensuring faster turnaround and sustainable practices.

2. Workforce Training: Through our Fundamentals of Industrial Sewn Production (FISP) program, we offer paid, hands-on training for industrial sewing machine operators, equipping local residents with high-demand skills for the apparel sector.

Value Proposition:

• For Manufacturers: Our services offer apparel brands an efficient, sustainable alternative to offshore production, with access to a local, skilled workforce trained in the latest manufacturing technologies.

• For Workers: We provide paid training and a clear career pathway in the apparel industry, addressing the skills gap while offering living-wage jobs.

• For the Community: By creating sustainable jobs in Cincinnati’s West End, we drive local economic growth and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

Revenue Streams:

• Manufacturing Contracts: We generate revenue by offering contract manufacturing services to apparel brands.

• Training Fees & Partnerships: While FISP is partially funded by grants, we also seek partnerships with industry players and sponsors to sustain the program long-term.

This business model fosters economic sustainability and social impact by reshoring U.S. apparel production, creating skilled jobs, and revitalizing local communities. It offers value to both businesses and workers while promoting long-term growth in the local economy.

Sew Valley’s plan for financial sustainability relies on a diversified revenue model that combines earned income from manufacturing contracts, workforce training services, and strategic partnerships, along with targeted grants. This approach ensures that our revenue streams will cover expenses and support long-term growth.

As we expand our production capacity, we’ll generate revenue by providing contract manufacturing services to U.S. apparel brands. With an initial expansion that includes a 30% increase in headcount, we anticipate a significant increase in production capacity, driving revenue growth.

We also generate income by offering our paid Fundamentals of Industrial Sewn Production (FISP) program, where businesses and industry partners pay for customized training for their employees. Over time, we’ll explore additional corporate partnerships and funding to expand this program’s reach.

To complement earned revenue, we actively pursue government and foundation grants that support workforce development, economic growth, and sustainable manufacturing.

To date, our model has proven successful in creating economic impact. In our initial phase, we expect to see an annual economic impact of approximately $2.5 million, driven by increased production capacity, job creation, and local spending. We have secured initial grants to support our workforce training efforts and are in discussions with industry partners to secure additional funding.

By strategically balancing earned income and grants, we are building a sustainable financial foundation. Our model ensures that as we expand, our revenue will scale alongside our operational and social impact, leading to long-term financial viability and growth.

We are applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards because Sew Valley’s RESHORE program directly addresses the critical need for accessible, high-quality skill-building and training opportunities for workers, especially those facing underemployment or career transitions. Our focus on workforce development aligns with the Challenge’s emphasis on economic mobility, worker well-being, and the urgent need for comprehensive career navigation resources for adults in the middle or late stages of their careers.

As part of our RESHORE program, we provide accessible, paid training in industrial sewing and advanced manufacturing technologies. This directly supports adults who are underemployed or transitioning between careers, empowering them to secure living-wage jobs. The financial support and strategic guidance from Truist Foundation would enable us to scale our workforce development efforts, expand our training programs, and reach more workers in need of reskilling and upskilling.

With support from The Truist Foundation and MIT Solve, we can build an industry for our region that will pay dividends back to our city and industry over the next century. This expansion campaign is not only an investment in economic development, but an investment in people and the region, with impacts extending far beyond the initial financial investment. Sew Valley’s RESHORE expansion and workforce training programming will result in an increased skilled workforce, increased technology, increased manufacturing capabilities, increased output, and increased awareness, therefore solidifying Cincinnati’s reputation as a positive destination for sustainable, progressive, and advanced apparel manufacturing, where everyone has a seat at the table.