PowerLink deadline extended for women business owners
Staff report
NEW CASTLE, PA.
Mercer-Lawrence counties’ ATHENA PowerLink program is accepting applications from local female business owners in Lawrence County for the chance to receive a year of free business counseling.
The deadline for applications has been extended to Feb. 28.
PowerLink is a mentoring program that connects a female business owner with a panel of volunteer advisers who provide free advice to help her expand her company and improve operations.
A body of local economic leaders will select a woman-owned business based on the company’s potential to succeed with the help of an advisory panel. Once a company is chosen, a custom panel of business professionals will address the company’s needs and objectives while meeting with the business owner at least once per quarter.
Business application criteria follow:
• Must be at least 51 percent owned and actively managed by a woman.
• Minimum of two years in operation.
• Minimum of two full-time employees, including the owner.
• Annual revenues of at least $250,000 for a retail or manufacturing business, or $100,000 for a service business.
• Clearly defined company objectives and goals with explicit reasons for seeking assistance from ATHENAPowerLink in meeting them.
The Mercer-Lawrence County program is co-hosted by PNC Bank, the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, the Gannon University Small Business Development center, and Seton Hill University’s E-Magnify. Karen Piccirilli and Carrie Goff, both of PNC Bank, are the region’s co-chairs.
Applications may be obtained from the following: Goff, carrie.goff@pnc.com; Melissa Wilson, melissa.wilson@pnc.com; and Linda Nitch, nitch@lawrencecounty.com.