The Ann Arbor Athena PowerLink program is accepting applications from women business owners in Washtenaw County who wish to participate in the program.
The program, designed for women-owned businesses beyond the initial startup difficulties, links a business with a panel of advisors who meet the specific needs of that business.
Women entrepreneurs with at least two years of experience running their own business can get a year of pro bono advice and coaching from some of Washtenaw counties’ finest business experts through the Athena PowerLink program.
The PowerLink program began in 1992 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when two businesswomen recognized that female entrepreneurs often lack access to valuable advisors and mentors. Today, as Athena PowerLink expands across the country, the program continues to help women grow their businesses.
The proven mentoring process “links” a business with a volunteer panel of advisors recruited from the local community. The panel and business owner work together for one year to meet the specific objectives of the business owner. Business owners learn to network, access capital and implement best practices from these volunteer advisors.
To be eligible to participate in the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
* Own the majority of the company and actively manage it
* Minimum of two years in business
* Minimum of two full-time employees, one of whom may be the business owner
* Minimum annual revenues of $250,000 for manufacturing or retail business
* Minimum annual revenues of $100,000 for service business
Apply online at www.athenawashtenaw.org. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Dec. 1.
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