EILEEN FISHER Awards Grants to Socially Responsible Women Entrepreneurs and Seeks Applicants for 2011 Grants

NEW YORK, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- EILEEN FISHER, a brand known for beautifully simple clothes designed to move with real life, is delighted to announce the recipients of its 7th Annual Business Grant Program for Women Entrepreneurs.  The program recognizes 100% women-owned businesses that are innovative and produce products that foster environmental and economical health in their communities.  Recipients will each receive a $12,500 grant and be flown to New York City for a two day conference with past business grant recipients and EILEEN FISHER teams.  

Designer Eileen Fisher is a long time advocate of supporting businesses that are working to create a positive impact in the world.  "Through my own company, I've seen how the way we do business has had a positive effect on people's lives," says Fisher.  "I see this grant money as encouragement to women business owners who are trying to do the same."  

The 2010 EILEEN FISHER business grant recipients are:

Artterro, a Madison, WI-based company that produces eco art kits with artist-quality materials at an affordable price.

Creative Beast, LLC a Seattle, WA-based which manufactures Mama K's Aromatic Play Clay, an all natural, gluten-free play dough, that combines aromatherapy with activity and creativity, to "sooth the creative beast" within.

Hadley Stilwell, another Seattle company that creates Holli Harri's collection of well-tailored, coordinating pieces for new mothers who require a pulled-together look that enables convenient and discreet access for breastfeeding and pumping.

Kinkaraco, a San Francisco, CA-based company that manufactures green burial products, including 100% natural, biodegradable fabric shrouds for every type of funeral service.

"These women have seen a need in the market for their product while considering the impact they are having on the environment and on the people in their communities," says Cheryl Campbell, EILEEN FISHER's Business Grant Facilitator.  "This has made their businesses healthy and viable, and we look forward to seeing them grow in the future."

Applications for the 2011 Women-Owned Business Program will be accepted until May 15, 2011.  For more information about the program or to submit an application, please visit www.eileenfisher.com/grants.

The EILEEN FISHER Business Grant Program for Woman Entrepreneurs was launched in 2004 with a single grant of $20,000 to commemorate the company's 20th anniversary. Since then, up to five grants have been awarded each year to 100% women women-owned businesses that combine the principles of social consciousness, sustainability, and innovation to create new businesses or invigorate existing ones.

About EILEEN FISHER:

EILEEN FISHER creates beautifully simple clothes designed to move with real life.  With pure shapes and fine fabrics, it creates sophistication, comfort -- and style that lasts. As a socially conscious company, the company is dedicated to supporting women through social initiatives and seeks innovative ways to empower women around the globe. For more information, please visit www.eileenfisher.com.

SOURCE EILEEN FISHER