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.

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