ATHENA POWERLINK®
Our signature business mentorship program for women leaders who want to accelerate their business with a dedicated panel of expert local business leaders.
It’s time for a business mentorship program that offers practical advice and resources to help you make real progress—without the time-wasting tasks that leave you feeling more overwhelmed than supported.
Finally—a no-fluff, no-filler program for women leaders ready to grow and scale their businesses with clarity and confidence.
You don’t need an empty schedule or limitless funds to grow your business.
You just need to know how to make the most of what you’ve got in a way that actually works for you.
Because if your dream is to build a sustainable business that lasts, you should also get to enjoy the freedom and balance that come with running it on your own terms.
Inside the Program
Running a business can feel isolating—especially when you’re navigating all the challenges and barriers that come with it on your own. The truth is that women entrepreneurs especially often face limited access to experienced mentors, business networks, and the professional support they need to thrive.
ATHENA PowerLink® was created to change that.
APL is a year-long business mentoring program designed to increase the growth, profitability, and confidence of women-owned businesses. The only cost is a one-time application acceptance fee of $950, which is to be paid only after receiving approval for an advisory panel.
Here’s how it works:
Step 1
Once accepted into the program, we’ll pair you with an advisory panel of skilled, local professionals who are experts in finance, marketing, operations, and other critical fields necessary for your success.
Step 2
You’ll meet with your dedicated advisory panel quarterly and can schedule as-needed meetings with your one-off committees to tackle your business’s unique challenges, identify opportunities for growth and improvement, and develop actionable strategies to improve and refine your operations.
Step 3
By the end of your year in APL, you’ll have a clear roadmap for sustainable growth, a strong network of professional connections, and the confidence to continue leading your business to new heights with purpose and clarity.
Meet 2025's ATHENA PowerLink® Recipients
Each year, a group of exceptional women business owners is welcomed into the ATHENA PowerLink® program—where their goals are supported, their ideas are championed, and their leadership journeys are elevated through the guidance of a dedicated advisory panel.
This transformative experience has been created to help participants break through barriers, refine their strategies, and step boldly into their next phase of growth.
Penny Bowers-Schebal
Formality Bridal
Penny Bowers-Schebal launched Formality Bridal, bringing her passion for affordable luxury and years of leadership experience to the bridal industry.
With locations in Erie, PA, and Geneva, OH, her vision has created a welcoming space where every bride can find the dress of her dreams for $999 or less.
Penny’s bold approach and commitment to excellence continue to elevate the bridal experience and inspire others in business. standards in the bridal industry.
What Past Participants Are Saying
“Since completing the program, we’ve increased pay, opportunities, and benefits for our staff and hired four more full-time staff members!”
“Receiving an Athena PowerLink panel in 2014 was a catalyst for growth for everyone on our team. Through my participation and the tireless efforts of those who served on the panel, we have transformed our business into a career for our staff members and an even more valuable asset to our clients. I highly recommend this program for any woman-owned business looking to strategically grow.”
My APL experience has been one of the most valuable I’ve had in my ten years of business.
I’ve been surrounded by a great group of people who’ve given me insight on marketing and finance and the ability to not only do what I do well but to do it in a way that provides stability and growth for my business. It is an experience that I will always treasure, and if you use it well, it will be one of the most valuable experiences for you as well.
“ATHENA Powerlink is more than a program; it’s a catalyst for change, igniting the leadership spark in women and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion.”
“The ATHENA Powerlink program transformed my business and leadership journey, equipping me with the tools and confidence to achieve remarkable growth. In addition to experiencing its impact firsthand, I have served as a mentor on other ATHENA Powerlink panels and have seen how this program makes a profound difference in helping business owners realize their full potential.”
Eligibility Requirements
Here's what you need to apply
To qualify for APL, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 51% woman-owned and actively managed by a woman.
- Have been in operation for at least two years.
- Employ at least two full-time team members (including the owner).
- Meet minimum revenue requirements: $250,000 annually for retail or manufacturing businesses and $100,000 annually for service-based businesses.
- Have clear goals and a willingness to share business-related information with your advisory panel.
Applications are open once per year and close on October 15.
Apply to ATHENA Powerlink
When you’re ready to…
- Trade the isolation of going it alone for the support of professionals committed to your success;
- Overcome the fear of failure and take bold steps toward the future you envision;
- Stop spinning your wheels on what to do next and focus on streamlining your operations and bringing in new business
…we’re here to help you turn your brilliant ideas into practical strategies and lay a strong foundation to build your business.
To learn more about the specifics of our programs and events or how to become a member of ATHENA Erie, please fill out the form below. We’ll respond within 2-3 business days.
*Please note: We always seek qualified volunteers to participate in our ATHENA PowerLink program. If you’re interested in applying to be a volunteer, please indicate so in the form below, and we’ll reach out to you with an ATHENA volunteer application.