First, I want to say thank you for all the help everyone has offered. These economic times are so tough, jobs are scarce, people are not spending or hiring or anything... and starting a business can be daunting to even think about. For me, the initial investment is a huge deal! So, I am really trying to "do my homework" before I take hard-earned money from kind friends and family to help me. I need to be sure this will work. In that -- I am trying to put together a proposal for a local small charter school uniform project and each day I am learning more about that niche - being that it includes more than just "decorated wearables" but other items like pants/shorts/etc. There are all kinds of special issues for that kind of company. I found a company called Educational Outfitters out of NC that sells franchises. There are already three in my area -- so I am pretty sure that would be "out". But my question is this -- they claim that because they are so well established uniform clothing manufactures are willing to do business with them -- while they are hesitant or unlikely to do business with a smaller company? Is that why I am having trouble identifying how and where to get a source for good quality school uniforms? Anyone out there have any insight on the uniform niche? That wouldn't mind sharing?