SmallBizResource Blog -- Women in Business

$10K Grants For 5 Socially Conscious Entrepreneurs: Wednesday's Woman

Posted by Gayle Kesten Wednesday, Apr 8, 2009, 09:15 AM ET

Now here's what I like to see: recognition and rewards for business owners who are cognizant of the world around them.

That was my first thought when I heard about this contest: Five socially conscious women-owned businesses will be chosen to each receive a $10,000 grant in the Business Grant Program 2009 For Woman Entrepreneurs. The program is spearheaded by clothing designer Eileen Fisher, who founded her same-named company in 1984 and credits the support and inspiration she received from friends for moving forward.

"Financial support is crucial, but even more meaningful is the energy behind the money -- when someone trusts your vision and truly believes in you," Fisher says on her Website. Her multimillion-dollar business continues to grow its organic line of apparel, and places an admirable emphasis on human rights, community partnership programs, and supporting womens' well-being. (Fisher also runs a Self-Image Grant Program For Women and Girls.)

To qualify for the Business Grant Program, your company must be 100% women-owned, for-profit, and with a gross annual revenue less than $1.5 million this past year. At least one of the grants will go to a startup, defined as less than 3 years old.

Entries will be judged on the following five factors:

1. Innovation: The degree to which a business addresses a stated need in a new and exciting way.

2. Social consciousness: A commitment to one or more of the following: the environment, social justice, the community in which your business is situated, or the individual growth and well-being of your employees.

3. Sustainability: The existence of a solid plan to create (or grow) a business that will be self-sustaining and continually evolving.

4. Use of funds: The need for the grant, and a clear and constructive plan for its use.

5. Alignment with the Eileen Fisher mission: An understanding and shared commitment to the practices outlined in the Mission. (To me, that mission describes the ultimate work environment.)

Applications are being accepted until June 1, 2009. Here's a look at last year's winners; sure hope Tees For Change founder Andreea Ayers, who I profiled last month, decides to apply.

• Ketra Oberlander: Wednesday's Woman Of Possibilities
• Woman-Owned Business Certification Considerations
• Tax Expert Barbara Weltman
• IAC Professional's Heather Villa Makes Bookkeeping 'EZ'
• Tees For Change Founder Andreea Ayers
• Archives

The Wednesday's Woman series is written for today's community of hard-working, small-business women, featuring profiles, industry trends, research, work/life balance issues and other topics of interest.

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