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Frequently Asked Questions as defined by ATHENA International. For more information, please visit their their Web site or contact them at:
ATHENA International
70 E. Lake Street, Suite 1220
Chicago, IL 60601-5939
Telephone: 312.580.0111
Facsimile: 312.580.0110
E-mail: athena@athenainternational.org
Below we answered the following questions.
What does the program cost?
Who is the Governing Board?
What types of individuals serve on the Governing Body?
How many serve on a Governing Body?
Can Governing Body members serve on an Advisory Panel?
Who are the Panel Members?
How long do Panel Members serve?
Can Panel Members continue to work as paid advisors at the end of the program year?
Who selects the Woman Owned Business?
Who is selected first, the business or the panel?
How is the Woman Business Owner recognized?
When did the ATHENAPowerLink® Program begin?
What does the program cost? After an initial fee to implement the program in Lake County, Illinois, there is a $350 fee for the each new business linked with an Advisory Panel and a $250 fee for the woman business owner accepted into the program
Who is the Governing Body? The College of Lake County Foundation is the Host Sponsor with the Governing Body composed of businesses and organizations in Lake County who are committed to helping Women Business Owners. The Governing Body is part of an established local entity, such as a chamber of commerce, a college or university, or an economic development organization in conjunction with local businesspeople.
What types of individuals serve on the Governing Body? It is essential to have a diverse group of individuals who are representative of our community. A financial professional will bring the ability to accurately assess economic risk and the future viability of a business. An accounting professional is advantageous because of the nearly universal need for women business owners to better understand their own financial statements. Entrepreneurs and executives, experienced in other disciplines such as marketing, human resources, and production management are all valuable resources.
How many serve on a Governing Body? The Lake County ATHENAPowerLink® Governing Body is looking for additional members for both the Governing Body and Advisory Panels. Generally, between 12-18 volunteers serve on the Governing Body. The size of this group depends on the community and the number of businesses that might be working with an Advisory Panel at any one time.
Can Governing Body members serve on an Advisory Panel? Governing Body members are encouraged to serve on Advisory Panels. It is beneficial for each panel to have a member of the Governing Body participate. This keeps the panel on track and the Governing Body apprised.
Who are the Panel Members? Panel Members are leaders and professionals in their fields. They bring expertise to the business and are selected based on the specific needs of the business owner.
How long do Panel Members serve? Each panel commits to working with the business owner for 1 year. Panel Members can serve more than one time.
Can Panel Members continue to work as paid advisors at the end of the program year? Yes, Advisory Panels can convert to a paid group of advisors after one year. If a panel continues, it operates outside the auspices of ATHENA International.
Who selects the Woman Owned Business? All selections are made by the Governing Body at the local level.
Who is selected first, the business or the panel? The business is selected first. The Advisory Panel is recruited to meet the specific needs of that business, and needs vary considerably from one business to another.
How is the Woman Business Owner recognized? The ATHENAPowerLink® graduate receives an ATHENAPowerLink® recognition piece, which is included in the ongoing program cost. The recognition piece is presented to the Woman Business Owner at the completion of her panel year.
When did the ATHENAPowerLink® Program begin? The ATHENAPowerLink® Program began in 1992 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when two businesswomen recognized that female entrepreneurs often lack access to valuable advisors and mentors. The premise was simple – panels of volunteers willing to advise women business owners on important issues can help them achieve greater success. Today, as ATHENAPowerLink® expands across the country, the program continues to help women grow their businesses.
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