Some of Erie's women-owned businesses are receiving a boost through the ATHENA PowerLink Program. 

The program, which has been guiding women business owners in Erie for more than 20 years, continues to help businesses amid the challenges of the past year. 

The ATHENA PowerLink program provides a panel of business advisors to businesses which are poised for growth. The advisors are hand-selected based upon each woman business owner's individual needs, according to Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership officials. 

The panel serves the business for a period of 12 months at no charge to help business owners achieve growth and profitability. 

The 2021 ATHENA PowerLink Program awardees include: 

  • Blue Lily Home Staging & Design | Owned by Nadia Carlin, Nadia Shabanza-Pero and Amanda Speros
  • ZEF Color Society | Owned by Jennifer Twohig-Williams and Cynthia Hultberg

Last year's panel recipients included Alice DeGeorge of Presque Isle Printing, Jennifer Minski of PopLuck and Sarah Purvis of Erie Dance Conservatory. 

On average, businesses see an 88 percent increase in sales and a 37 percent increase in business growth income through the program, according to ATHENA International. 

Erie is the third city in the United States to participate in the volunteer program, which has helped more than 50 women-owned businesses to date.