For many in the Latino community, owning a small business is part of the American dream. Becoming an entrepreneur signifies economic stability and opportunity. Yet regardless of ethnic background, the challenges to owning a business are many and the risk of failure can be high. All too often, this is due to a lack of a strong foundation, as well as a good understanding of the necessary legal and financial requirements needed to run successfully. For Latinos who do not speak English, the process can be even more daunting because accessing information and resources becomes an additional challenge. Fortunately, one community resource that does offer support in Spanish is Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV).
To help guide aspiring Spanish speaking entrepreneurs looking to start or expand the business of their dreams, Women’s Economic Ventures offers two Self-Employment Training courses.
The basic, 4-week business readiness course is designed as an introduction to help men and women determine if they are ready to start a business, while the advanced, 14-week course provides guidance on how to start, operate or expand a business. The next advanced course will begin March 16 in Oxnard.
The advanced course includes training on finances, marketing & sales, advertising, legal and insurance issues, as well as taxes and record keeping. At the end of the 14 weeks, graduates will emerge with a business plan and the necessary tools and support needed to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Self-Employment Training courses are offered in English and Spanish in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
“Planning to grow your business is a major step, even for successful entrepreneurs” said Leticia Sandoval, Spanish Program Coordinator, Ventura County. “WEV is committed to breaking through barriers to success by providing both Spanish and English courses, a caring network of support, opportunities to learn and grow, and the financial resources to keep businesses growing.”
The first step to get involved is to attend an orientation or call Leticia Sandoval, Spanish Program Coordinator, at 805-456-2341. Sandoval will go over class details and guide you through the process of signing up for one of the Spanish-language courses.
The next orientation will be held:
Thursday, March 3 from 6 – 7 p.m. Oxnard Housing Authority, 1500 Camino de Sol Salon #21, Oxnard, CA 93030
For more information or to RSVP, visit http://wevonline.org/orientaciones.
About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. WEV serves all of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties from offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Santa Maria. While WEV targets its services toward women, it serves men as well, and provides many services in English and Spanish.
Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to over 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, and made more than $4 million in loans, assisting over 4,000 local businesses. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
A pioneer in the field, WEV was founded by Marsha Bailey, a nationally recognized advocate for women business owners. Marsha is the board president of the national Association of Women’s Business Centers, and sits on the National Women’s Business Council.
WEV is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2016! To learn more, visit the web site at www.wevonline.org.