Now that The Athena Network has surpassed its initial target of recruiting 20 franchises by 2011, the company has launched the second part of its expansion programme and is aiming to have a further 20 franchises operating by the end of 2012.

The Athena Network is an organisation for women, which currently has 26 franchise owners and 2,600 networking members in 30 regions across the UK. The Athena Network franchise costs £9,950 and, according to the company, each territory has between 5,000 and 6,000 SME’s.


Sylvia Baldock, National Sales Director for The Athena Network, said: “If you are a business-minded woman with a passion to make a huge difference to business women around you and you follow our proven process, with our franchise opportunity you can recoup your fairly low investment within six months and be profitable, which is incredible. Many of our franchise owners in fact earn a full-time income for part-time hours.

“What we are looking for are motivated, personable women who would like to meet and support business women and inspire them to greater success.”

Penny Stephens, franchise owner of the Oxfordshire branch, said: “I had been a member of Athena for a year when I took on a franchise for myself. I hadn’t been looking for another business but it was an opportunity I felt I couldn’t pass up. Six months on it’s proving to be a successful and enjoyable business and support and training I have received have been second to none.”

The Athena Network has stated that its comprehensive training programme and support services are designed to help franchise owners quickly become experts in this growth market. The Athena Network franchise owners work from home and organise local, lunchtime, networking groups for women that meet at a specific venue monthly.

Published: 30 June 2011

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