The third Design START mentoring programme kicked off with six renowned design professionals' presentations

Participants of the third Design START mentoring programme were able to deepen their knowledge in the areas of business planning, financing, design and brand communication, digital marketing and legal issues. In the first phase of the training, six renowned industry experts with distinguished career paths held presentations to five emerging design brands, sharing their knowledge and experience to support the designers in their development process within the domestic market. Following the six-module workshop series, the second phase of the programme will begin, with each brand completing an internship at a domestic manufacturer.

Launched by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency for the third time, the design START mentoring programme has reached the end of its first phase, providing professional support to five talented design brands this year. The long-term objective of the programme is to support the mentees in operating efficiently in order to develop personalised and sustainable business models and to increase their visibility both online and offline, as well as domestically and internationally. Furthermore, the programme also aims to stabilise brands in the domestic market and to place businesses on a path of growth as a result of the mentoring process. The training consists of a three-step programme, which provides designers with a series of 6 private workshops and lectures, an internship at a domestic factory and at least one professional trip abroad.

The experts supporting the programme were selected by the Hungarian Fashion & Design Agency based on several criteria: commitment to supporting young professionals, outstanding professionalism and excellent achievements in their field. First, Attila Gaszt, Managing Director of GIA-FORM Szerszám- és Alkatrészgyártó Kft., delivered a presentation on business planning, followed by József Török, Advisor to the CEO of Hiventures Zrt., who spoke about different financing and fundraising opportunities. Afterwards, Attila Nemes, CEO of FictionLab, held a presentation on brand communication, while marketing expert Marcell Tóth, provided an insight into the world of digital marketing. Lastly, Gergely Hosszú, Managing Director of Co&Co Designcommunication, spoke about design communication, and Dr Ádám György closed the workshop series with a presentation focusing on legal knowledge. Each session provided the opportunity for individual, personalised brand development.

Thanks to the presentations, the mentees were provided with several new skills such as conscious planning, starting and operating a business, preparing a business plan as well as raising venture capital. Moreover, during these lectures, they clarified terms such as copyright, design protection and trademarks. By the end of the sessions, mentees were also able to identify the core strengths of their brands and the areas in need of improvement.

Following the six-module presentation series, during the second phase of the programme, each brand will complete an internship at a domestic manufacturer of its choice. The diversity and variety of tasks will ensure that each talented individual will receive the essential knowledge and support they need to ensure their breakthrough.