The EILEEN FISHER grant program seeks applicants from wholly women-owned businesses that combine the principles of social consciousness, sustainability, and innovation to create new businesses or invigorate existing ones.In addition to the key social principals, an essential for each applicant is a solid business plan and a strategy for long term growth. The five grant recipients' receive a $12,500 grant, mentoring from internal EILEEN FISHER teams and a trip to New York City for a three-day workshop with EILEEN FISHER committee members and past grant recipients.
Company founder Eileen Fisher believes that now, more than ever, is the time to instill confidence in woman entrepreneurs. "This is a terrifying time for businesses. I know how important it is to have someone believe in and validate your work," says Fisher. "I want to encourage women entrepreneurs and firmly believe that business can be used to create social change, even if the economic climate is uncertain," says Eileen.
"The credit market is still tight for small businesses, even as the economy rebounds," says Cheryl Campbell, EILEEN FISHER Business Grant Facilitator. "In this economy, we want to continue to inspire women to pursue new opportunities and creative solutions that will move their businesses forward in a sustainable way."
The EILEEN FISHER Business Grant Program for Woman Entrepreneurs was launched in 2004 with a single grant to commemorate the company's 20th anniversary. Since then, five grants have been awarded each year. The guidelines for the annual Women-Owned Business Program are continuing to evolve. Please check the company's website to find out more about the new ways we will be supporting women entrepreneurs. (www.eileenfisher.com/grants)
