from staff
The Jacksonville Women’s Business Center (JWBC) is seeking women business owners, mentors and sponsors to participate in two of its four mentoring programs: AthenaPowerLink and Marketing Matters.
“Our business mentoring programs provide local women business owners with valuable insight and access to expertise,” said Gwen Griggs, advisory board chair for the JWBC. “A proven form of business development support, mentoring teaches business skills, fosters relationships with professional advisors, and empowers women business owners with a road map and practical know-how to reach their company goals.”
Sandy Bartow, JWBC executive director, said volunteer mentors and sponsors have a unique opportunity to contribute to the economic prosperity of the entire community; one person, one company at a time.
“Mentors and sponsors often express a sense of personal satisfaction knowing their efforts have made a positive impact on the success of a small business owner,” said Bartow.
The Jacksonville AthenaPowerLink program, one of only 23 nationwide, is designed for women-owned businesses that are at least two years old and beyond initial start-up difficulties. The 12-month mentoring experience connects each business owner with a personal advisory panel of 6-8 advisors, assembled to meet the specific needs of the business owner.
Marketing Matters helps participants discover the basic elements of a marketing plan, strategies and tactics to implement stated objectives, and how to track and measure effectiveness.
According to organizers, the benefits of this mentoring experience include:
• Learning the primary functions of a company, including marketing and innovation
• Understanding that profit is the reward for serving customers well
• Seeing the whole business from the point of view of the customer
• Creating a marketing approach for their business
Applications for AthenaPowerLink will be accepted through Nov. 30. Applications for Marketing Matters will be accepted until Dec. 15. Each program begins in January. For more information, applicants may contact Pat Blanchard at 924-1100, ext. 252 or [email protected]. For mentoring and sponsorship information, contact Bartow at 924-1100, ext. 224 or [email protected].
The JWBC is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce.