helps a woman expand her business profitably by matching her with a team of volunteer advisors for a year of mentoring.
Qualifications
Requirements
DEADLINE:
January 17, 2012
APLinfo@
APLnashville.org
“The ATHENAPowerLink program was a fantastic opportunity for us to take our business to the next level. Each member of the Advisory Panel provided invaluable advice that a business of our size would not otherwise had access to. We are so thankful for this opportunity and would highly recommend the program.”
G Squared Wireless
Heather Gee-Thomas and Diane McDaniel, owners
APL participant January-December 2008
Company description:
Sets up and manages technical helpdesk / procurement services for companies with hundreds and thousands of wireless devices such as Blackberry, Smart Phones, AirCards, cell phones; consulting
Results of mentorship:
- Staff more than doubled, from 8 to 20
- Revenue more than doubled, from $400,000 to $1,100,000
- Virtual offices consolidated into 4,000-square-foot facility
“We were selected to participate in the APL program during a time when many small businesses were closing up shop and others were laying people off. Through the APL process and with the help of our Advisory Panel, we were able develop new revenue streams, reach out to new markets, and weather the economic downturn. Although we did not grow during our time in the program, we maintained our profit levels, and were able to put many strategies in place that set us up for future growth.”
Adventureworks, Inc.
Paula Feather and Jennifer Halverson, owners
APL participant January-December 2009
Company description:
Provides experience-based training and development to help clients achieve goals related to teambuilding, leadership, and communication; recreational zip lines
Results of mentorship:
- Maintained profit level and market share during economic recession
- Installed additional zip lines
- Developed new marketing strategies to reach individuals and families seeking a fun adventure close to home
“With the guidance and wisdom from our panel, we were able to survive a significant hit to the economy while many companies did not. We not only survived, but we downsized appropriately and methodically so that we were set to make a profit in 2010.”
The Porch Company
Nancy Moore and Audrey Williams, owners
APL participant January-December 2009
Company description:
Builds custom-designed porches combining old-fashioned craftsmanship with modern design and technology
Results of mentorship:
- Improved management of cyclical cashflow variations
- Reorganized satellite office operation
- Changed focus of staffing needs and developed hiring process
“It is a great honor to be named The ATHENAPowerLink 2011 Woman of the Year. I look forward to a great opportunity to grow and expand my business utilizing the experts of proven talents.”
A To Z Medical Equipment
Dinah Norman, owner
APL participant January-December 2011
Company description:
A To Z Medical Equipment provides a broad range of medical equipment and home health services to people with disabilities and health issues who want to maintain their quality of life in their own home. A To Z can supply everything a patient needs to live safely and comfortably at home, delivered directly to their door.
“Even in such a short time, our acceptance into the Athena program has already highlighted major opportunities for our company. We are looking forward to learning more about what we are doing right, not doing as well and what we could be doing better. We see there will be a lot of hard work involved, but feel very privileged to have the support system of mentors being made available to us.”
Imagine New
Judith Soffiantino and Jennie Nunnery, owners
APL participant January-December 2011
Company description:
Imagine New brings outsource bookkeeping services directly to the offices of its clients. The firm specializes in working with non-profit agencies and understands their specific needs and challenges.