A brief visit to the Global Footwear Awards website is enough to get an idea of what the future of footwear will be like, a reality that already exists thanks to the entrepreneurs in this sector who give free rein to their most futuristic ideas, thus promoting development. of this industry to new levels.
However, these visionaries often face a lack of resources needed to advance their ideas. With this in mind, the Global Footwear Awards have partnered with the Spanish incubator INDIPROC, specialized in footwear.
A company that, as its founder, María del Carmen Maestre, says, “was born from the need to create an adequate business ecosystem to support and support emerging brands that are starting out in the market.”
This collaboration is fundamentally aimed at empowering and supporting independent designers and students, providing them with essential resources and opportunities to advance their careers.
INDIPROC has a multidisciplinary team prepared to meet various needs, from specialized training programs to market integration through partnerships in 3D design, marketing, financing and footwear production. Once incubates launch their projects, INDIPROC provides them with ongoing support, including representation on B2B and B2C sales platforms.
As part of this alliance, the winner of the Global Footwear Awards in the independent designer category will receive a complete mentoring program valued at 1,495 euros. This program will offer personalized guidance and comprehensive support to help the designer develop her career. Finalists and the winner in the student category will also benefit from consulting sessions with the INDIPROC team, designed to guide them through critical next steps in the footwear industry.
From Spanish artisanal tradition to global expansion under the umbrella of Coach-Tapestry
Third generation of Spanish shoemakers, Mari Carmen Maestre founded INDIPROC in 2021 with the aim of revitalizing a family tradition that dates back to 1934, when her grandparents introduced the innovative vulcanized product “Petre” and established a sales network throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
Since then, the company has experienced several phases of international expansion, highlighting its presence in key markets such as the United States and Canada after being acquired by Caressa and later by a Chinese company. With a legacy rooted in craftsmanship and quality, the second generation continued manufacturing for prestigious brands such as Spiegel and Russell & Bromley, and in 1995 founded Laurel Shoes exclusively for designer Stuart Weitzman.
In 2003, the third generation joined the company, continuing to work for the brand and integrating new brands after the acquisition of SW by the COACH-Tapestry company.
How has INDIPROC’s work evolved since its creation?
We began our activity supporting new brands that needed technical support for the development of their collections.
After meeting more designers and seeing the need that exists in the sector, we have developed a series of training courses both online and in person so that creatives and/or entrepreneurs can start their path having the necessary knowledge to communicate with the teams involved. in productions.
In addition, we have expanded the network of collaborators so that these new brands have their own technical, marketing, financial teams…
How many footwear designers and companies have participated in INDIPROC programs since its founding?
Since we began our journey in 2021, we have worked with some 80 designers whom we have advised and advised according to the needs of their projects.
In the past year alone, we have worked with about 12 companies on mentoring and industry integration, sample development and collection production.
Furthermore, as Host Entrepreneur of Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs and collaborators from various schools, we have offered footwear training to future entrepreneurs in the sector.
What type of investments or financing does INDIPROC receive to carry out its initiatives?
Today, the financing that INDIPROC receives as a company is through its own resources or private financing. In the case of brands, those that have a differentiating product in terms of R&D, sustainability, etc. They are offered the possibility of managing public or private financing from INDIPROC.
To participate in the Global Footwear Awards 2024, the deadline for entries is October 6, 2024, with additional fees applicable after that date. You just have to send your innovative shoe design completed in the last five years with a brief description, up to 10 images… and little else. Find all the details on the official Global Footwear Awards website.
