ANN ARBOR – The Athena International Foundation has established a local advisory board to select a woman-owned business in the Greater Ann Arbor Area to participate in the Athena PowerLink program.
Athena International was founded in 1982 to encourage leadership opportunities for women. The foundation sponsors both Athena Award ceremonies and the Athena PowerLink program throughout the country. In Michigan, National City Bank is partnering with the foundation to sponsor this program. IT Zone and affiliated organizations have representatives on the local board, including Diane Durance, Ann Arbor IT Zone; Charlie Penner, MI-SBTDC; and Barb Davenport, Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce.
Athena PowerLink is a mentoring program that connects selected women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. The advisory panel, which includes lawyers, bankers, accountants, insurance agents and consultants, provides free mentoring for one year. The advisors help the business owner achieve networking, capital, operational and strategic goals.
To be considered, companies must meet the following criteria:
51 percent owned and actively managed by a woman or women
At least two years in operation
At least two full-time employees, including owner
At least $250,000 in annual gross revenue for a manufacturing or retail business; or at least $100,000 in annual gross revenues for a service business
Clearly defined business objectives and specific reasons for seeking an advisory panel
Applications for interested Athena PowerLink candidates are due October 13. Contact the IT Zone at [email protected]
or call (734) 615-9310 for additional information.
