ATHENA Seeks Applicants for ATHENAPowerLink® Program Sponsored by
the College of Lake County

Lake County ATHENAPowerLink, a business mentoring program designed to increase the growth and profitability of women-owned businesses, is seeking applicants. The program 'links' a woman business owner with an Advisory Panel, recruited from the local community, to work with her at no cost for one year. These professionals, which may include a banker, lawyer, accountant, and marketing or human resource specialist, provide guidance regarding networking skills, how to achieve access to capital, implementation of best practices, and other issues identified by the woman business owner as necessary to reach the goals she has for her business.

Current ATHENAPowerLink recipient Chris Hammerlund says: “The ATHENAPowerLink advisory panel has been very helpful in many ways. They have helped with human resource challenges, financial and accounting issues, process improvement, and marketing. This is a dynamic, experienced group of women that are extremely generous with their time and knowledge. I look forward to our one-on-one time and our group meetings. I am excited to implement their suggestions.”

The business will be selected based on its need and potential for growth. To apply, visit www.LakeCountyATHENA.org. Applications are due by September 25, 2009. For additional information contact Jan Bauer, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the College of Lake County, 847-543-2033 or jbauer@clcillinois.edu.

The Illinois Small Business Development Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the College of Lake County. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a non discriminatory basis.  The Illinois Small Business Development Center offers many services to help businesses grow and succeed. Free one-on-one business counseling, planning, and strategizing along with a variety of workshops for small business: start-up and business planning, marketing/sales/public relations, legalities of business ownership, accounting and finance and commerce and technology.