EILEEN FISHER is delighted to announce the recipients of its 2nd Annual Business Grant Program for Women Entrepreneurs:

AV Financial Consulting Services, LLC, a Bronx, NY-based, financial consulting service aimed at empowering the economically disadvantaged.

Wellness Supports, a behavioral healthcare agency which provides home-based, comprehensive therapy and case management services to the under-served of Raleigh, NC.

Nurture, Inc., a start-up poised to be the first U.S. based company to offer freshly prepared, flash frozen organic meals for infants and toddlers.

Bar Sepia, a neighborhood bar in Brooklyn, NY, realizing its vision of becoming a cornerstone of the community through partnerships with local civic, cultural, and neighborhood groups.

Eco-Envelopes, LLC, a designer/inventor of environmentally conscious and economically efficient reusable envelopes.

"It is Eileen's vision that by contributing five grants of $10,000 each to women entrepreneurs who demonstrate passion for their work, plans for sustainability and ambition to create a business culture resonant with our own, we will infuse energy into their spirits and businesses," explains Amy Hall, Director of Social Consciousness at EILEEN FISHER.

It's widely known Eileen Fisher started her company with $350 and a vision. Eileen will tell you it was so much more. "Looking back it was the support of friends and the inspiration of groups like the Social Venture Network (SVN) that kept me moving forward," explains Eileen. "When you're doing what you love, it is possible to find great joy at work."

"With the realities of the business world, it isn't always easy to keep that focus. Financial support is crucial, but even more meaningful is the energy behind the money - when someone believes in you the possibilities are endless."

The company posted the proposal for grant submissions on its website as well as sharing it with several women's business organizations and other professional organizations like SVN and Business for Social Responsibility. Guided by the leadership of Hall, an in-house committee of employees reviewed over 100 proposals and met with 10 finalists before arriving at the final five.

The business grant category was conceived last year during the company's 20th anniversary grant program for non-profit organizations to expand the work they do for women in the areas of wellness, financial independence, self-esteem and prevention of violence and one for-profit, like-minded, woman-owned business. Eileen is passionate about continuing to provide grants to women-owned businesses and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

EILEEN FISHER designs versatile clothes that invite women to dress simply and with delight. Fine fabrics, modern shapes and elegant colors are essential to her design concept. Each piece connects to another and another to build a wardrobe that moves easily from day to night.

Founded in 1984, the company reported overall sales of $195 million in 2005. The collection is sold by major retailers and specialty stores across the U.S. and Canada as well as in 33 company-owned stores. Based in Irvington, N.Y., the company operates showrooms in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta.

Eileen Fisher

Eileen Fisher

More from Eileen Fisher