In 2019, Apon emerged as one of the winners of the prestigious Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge, an accolade that signifies more than just a financial boost for the Bangladeshi enterprise. Alongside Dutch start-up A Beautiful Mess, Apon was awarded €75,000 to support its innovative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of factory workers in Bangladesh.
Apon stands out for its unique approach to enhancing the quality of life for garment workers. The organization establishes fair-priced shops within factories, offering essential goods at a 10% discount compared to external market prices. Furthermore, workers can earn points through their purchases, which can be redeemed for free health insurance and health services. This model not only makes everyday necessities more affordable but also promotes better health and well-being among the workers.
Founder and Managing Director of Apon, Saif Rashid, highlighted the significance of the recognition and support from Tommy Hilfiger. He emphasized that the mentorship and strategic guidance provided through the Fashion Frontier Challenge have been instrumental in refining Apon's business model, communication strategies, and overall vision for the future (Business Wire) (The Financial Express).
The Fashion Frontier Challenge, now in its second edition, aims to drive social innovation and sustainability within the fashion industry. By supporting start-ups and scale-ups like Apon, Tommy Hilfiger is fostering a more inclusive and responsible fashion ecosystem. The program not only provides financial support but also offers year-long mentorship with industry experts from Tommy Hilfiger and INSEAD, enhancing the winners' capacity to scale their impact (Business Wire)
Apon's victory in this challenge underscores the growing recognition of the importance of worker welfare in the global fashion supply chain. By leveraging this platform, Apon is poised to expand its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring that more workers benefit from their fair-priced shops and associated health services (Business Wire) (The Financial Express).
For more information on the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Frontier Challenge and Apon's initiatives, visit the official announcement on Business Wire.