- March 26, 2009 - Twisted Limb Paperworks (www.twistedlimbpaper.com) of Bloomington, IN, a sustainable paper making company is one of five recipients of EILEEN FISHER's fifth Annual Business Grant Program for Woman Entrepreneurs. Launched in 1998, the company creates handmade 100% recycled paper which is stitched and assembled into invitations, thank you notes, business promotional items, holiday greeting cards, and stationery for school and non-profit fundraising. Founder Sheryl Woodhouse-Keese will use the grant to develop a new line of handmade recycled memorial cards, programs, and notes for families interested in more earth friendly funerals.

This year's recipients each received a $10,000 grant and were recognized in New York City on March 23-24, 2009 during a two day conference. The program recognizes women-owned businesses that combine the principles of social consciousness and sustainability to create new businesses or invigorate existing ones with a solid business plan and strategy for long term growth.

During the 2008 grant cycle, more than 125 business women from across the US, including start-ups, applied for the grants via the company's web site. Grant applications were reviewed by 13 members of EILEEN FISHER's volunteer Business Grant committee, which is comprised of employees from various departments across the company, including wholesale and retail. Applicants were evaluated on the social consciousness, sustainability, innovation, environmental impact of their business, intended use of grant money, and alignment with the mission of EILEEN FISHER.

Company founder Eileen Fisher passionately agrees that now is the time to instill confidence in woman entrepreneurs. "Women have supported the company since the beginning, and have been essential to my success, both personally and professionally," says Eileen. "Due to their support, the company is in a good position to give back and continuing this grant program feels like the right thing to do."

"With the credit market tightening and small businesses finding it increasingly difficult to secure financing, it is important to support woman entrepreneurs more than ever," says Amy Hall, director of social consciousness at EILEEN FISHER. "We've heard past recipients tell us the check arrived just as their business was moving to the next level and the grant has been a bridge to their future success."

Other 2008 EILEEN FISHER business grant recipients are:

Strong Healthcare (DBA Children's Clinic of Richardson (CCR)) a health care provider in Richardson, TX provides quality, affordable healthcare to low income children from birth to 18 years of age.

simplyneutral (www.simplyneutral.com) of Minneapolis, MN, creates natural, non-toxic cleaning products and provides "conscious living" guidance to promote healthier and sustainable lifestyles.

Loyale (www.loyaleclothing.com) based in NYC, creates sophisticated, stylish clothing from organic and sustainable fabrics, for the office and after, utilizing factories with fair labor practices.

The Goat Patrol (www.thegoatpatrol.com) a start up based in Durham, NC provides an environmentally friendly alternative to removing unwanted vegetation with the use of cross-bred Boer goats for targeted grazing.

In addition to the grant money, Eileen has asked various internal departments to lend their expertise to grant recipients. Among the EILEEN FISHER teams that the grant recipients will meet during their 2-day conference, there will be representatives from Design, Retail, and Product Development. "It isn't only about the money "“ we want to impart our knowledge and networks to these women in order to strengthen their businesses," says Fisher.

EILEEN FISHER designs simple clothes that work together, across the seasons and across the years. With pure shapes and fine fabrics, they create sophistication, comfort-and style that lasts. Simpler for the customer, better for the environment. Founded in 1984, the company reported overall sales of $273 million in 2008. The collection is sold by major retailers and specialty stores across the U.S. and Canada as well as in 43 company-owned stores. Based in Irvington, N.Y., the company operates showrooms in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta.

Women entrepreneurs interested in applying for a 2009 grant should visit http://www.eileenfisher.com/ourcompany/cons/women_owned_bus_prog.asp for guidelines and the application.

Twisted Limb Paperworks, LLC

Twisted Limb Paperworks, LLC

Twisted Limb Paperworks creates handmade 100% recycled paper and turns it into wedding and special event invitations, business promotions, holiday greetings, school fundraising products, and memorial cards. Their products are made with living wages at their carbon neutral studio in the USA with used colored office paper and recycled water. 22% of annual profits are donated to environmental and community groups.

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