A Croton-on-Hudson ice cream shop and a Bridgeport clothing boutique were among five recipients of the 2012 Eileen Fisher Business Grant Program for female entrepreneurs, the New York City-based retailer announced Nov. 7.
The Blue Pig, in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., and Gumdrop Swap, in Bridgeport, Conn., were chosen by Eileen Fisher for $12,500 grants out of more than 1,600 applicants.
“It takes inspiration, confidence and commitment to follow your passion to go out on your own,” Fisher, who founded her company with $350 and four garments in 1984, said in a prepared statement.
The five grant recipients will also be recognized at a two-day Eileen Fisher conference in New York City next spring.
The Blue Pig, founded by Lisa Moir, was honored for its role as a community hub and for its dedication to sustainability and use of ingredients that are free of steroids, antibiotics, high fructose corn syrup and that are primarily sourced locally.
Gumdrop Swap, founded by Gabby Fludd, sells new and gently used children’s and maternity items through a unique arrangement, allowing customers to pay for items through earned points called gumdrops.
thanks so much for writing about the Eileen Fisher award. Being a small business owner who is committed to earth friendly environmental practices… Is not always easy. I have to forge my own path at every turn, because the systems in place are not set up to source foods from local farmers or get them delivered. Finding environmentally friendly packaging is not so easy either for a small shop with limited volume needs. But in the end…. It’s all worth it.