The Erie ATHENA PowerLink governing body announced today that it is now accepting applications from local woman business owners for the opportunity to receive free business advice for an entire year as part of the ATHENA PowerLink program.
The deadline for applications is Jan. 15 and two women business owners will be selected for 2010. Designed to enrich the vitality of the region’s businesses and stimulate its economy, the ATHENA PowerLink program selects two women business owners and assigns a panel of professionals from different areas of business to work with them toward their business goals free of charge. This year-long mentoring donated by professionals has an estimated value of $37,000 for the two women selected. If selected, there is a nominal application fee of $350 for each woman. 2010 marks the eleventh year the ATHENA PowerLink Advisory Panel has successfully mentored women business owners in Erie.
Selection of women business owners is made by a governing body representing the economic leaders of the Erie area from applications received. Companies are chosen based on their potential to effectively utilize an advisory panel and ATHENA PowerLink’s ability to assist the company’s growth. Panelists are then selected based on the specific needs and growth objectives of the business.
To be considered for ATHENA PowerLink, companies must:
- Be owned (at least 51%) by a woman
- Have been in operation for at least two years
- Have a minimum of two employees
- Generate annual revenues of at least $250,000 if in manufacturing or retail, or $100,000 if in a service business
- Have clearly defined company objectives/goals with explicit reasons for seeking assistance through the program
PNC Financial Services Group, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, DeMarco Wachter Firm and Gannon University Small Business Development Center have partnered to bring the annual program to Erie and invite local women entrepreneurs to participate.
“As a board member of ATHENA International, I have witnessed women business owners who participate in this program experience an 88.5 percent increase in sales, a 37.6 percent increase in business income and a 56.6 percent increase in personal income,” said Linda Stevenson, chair for the Erie ATHENA PowerLink program. “With ATHENA PowerLink in Erie, local women entrepreneurs have greater access to valuable resources that will help them continue to achieve their business objectives. We actively encourage local women business owners to become involved in this program.”
ATHENA PowerLink is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that provides professional advisory panels to women-owned businesses. It began in Pittsburgh and has since expanded throughout the country. Its focus is to provide women business owners with access to capital, markets, networking and technology.
Colleen Moore Mezler, owner of Moore Research in Erie was one of the two women business owners selected to receive counsel from the ATHENA PowerLink Advisory Panel in 2009. “This is a program I would recommend to any business owner. Without the hands on assistance, I would not have been able to refocus my business and take my operation to the next level. I heartily endorse this worthwhile program,” emphasized Moore.
Jim Dible, president of the Erie Regional Growth Chamber and Partnership, concluded, “The ATHENA PowerLink Program is one of the most dynamic and unique initiatives throughout the Erie community.”
To obtain more information or to apply for the ATHENA PowerLink program, please contact Linda Stevenson at 814-871-1225 or linda.stevenson@pnc.com or download an application at http://www.eriepa.com/athena
