It Starts With a Dream.
You’ve imagined running your own business, connecting with incredible women and creating an income that’s flexible, predictable and rewarding.
Then reality steps in: how do you bring that dream to life?
At The Athena Network, we see this story frequently. Women who are ready to:
- Invest in themselves
- Grow their own women-only networking business
- Take control of their future
From Idea to Action
Take Gayle McVea, who joined our Regional Director team after redundancy. Already trained as a professional life coach, she found that running an Athena region perfectly complemented her coaching business.
“There was nothing like Athena in Northern Ireland. This was an ideal synergetic fit with my coaching.”
~ Gayle McVea, Regional Director, Northern Ireland East
In 2025, Gayle dived into Athena’s training and support, connecting with other ambitious women. Within months, she launched her first group in Belfast and:
- Built profitable part-time income
- Expanded her influence locally and across the UK
- Started a scalable business she could grow or sell in the future
Her story isn’t unique. Women who join Athena leadership discover that, with the right support, the leap from ambition to reality is achievable.
“Best investment I have ever made being an Athena Network Regional Director – wonderful growth from a personal as well as business perspective.”
~ Debbie Atkins, Regional Director, Reading & Henley
Exploring Funding Options
Funding is often part of the journey. Some Regional Directors explore Government Start-Up Loans. These loans are government-backed, with a fixed interest rate of 6% per year, repayable over 1–5 years. There is no application fee and no penalty for early repayment.
The Game-Changer – Capital Repayment Holiday (up to 6 mths)
For our Athena business, our new Regional Directors can opt to delay capital repayments until their first Athena group is launched – usually 3-4 months after joining the team – bringing income to service the loan AND profitable income for them.
“The Start-Up Loan allowed me to elevate my Athena business. The templates and supportive team made the process seamless.”
– Holly Nixon, Regional Director, South Warwickshire
Note: This is for informational purposes only. Anyone considering a loan should seek independent financial advice.
Building Your Business, Step by Step
With the practical side in place, women can focus on what matters:
- Learning from Athena’s expert training
- Growing their network of inspiring women
- Empowering themselves and others while building income
Athena provides the support, the tools and a community who will cheer you on every step of the way!
Turning Dreams into Reality
Your business dream doesn’t have to stay a dream. With planning, support and Athena behind you, stepping into your own business can become a journey full of growth, opportunity and connection.
“Having an Athena region has been one of my best business investments and personal fulfilments. Such a collaborative environment with support and continuous development.”
~ Maggie Sarfo, Regional Director, City of London
If you’d like to explore what it would look like to lead your own Athena region, email lindsay.mcloughlin@theathenanetwork.com for a light, exploratory conversation.
Alternatively, register for the next Franchise Masterclass to find out what it takes to be a franchisee of The Athena Network.
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