VENTURA — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) and the County of Ventura proudly announce the participants of the 2024 Forgivable Business Loan & Consulting Program. 21 outstanding businesses have been selected from over 100 applications to receive forgivable business loans and personalized business coaching from WEV to support business growth and expansion. This unique initiative underscores the joint commitment by WEV and Ventura County to invest in local economic development.
“Ventura County is proud to partner with Women’s Economic Ventures, an organization that has consistently demonstrated its ability to transform our local business landscape,” said County of Ventura Deputy Executive Officer of Economic Vitality, Estelle Bussa. “Their proven track record of helping entrepreneurs access capital and acquire crucial business knowledge has made a significant impact on our community. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy.”
Congratulations to the selected businesses, which include:
The Craft House, Alyssa’s Bookkeeping Service, ArtHouse and Company LLC, Buddy’s Wine Bar, Tiger Owl, Illuminate Skin Studio, Custom Handyman Services, La Jenelle Natural Café & Produce, Alexandra Steric Licensed Therapist, Solstice Therapy, Cope Mex Systems Inc, Ecobutterfy Organics, Ragin Pot, Pacific Breeze Salon, Anna J Calderon Consulting, Fidelity Remarketing, Stel Housecleaning Inc, Monica M Lowe and Associates Inc, FCA Health Inc, and Santa Paula Trading Co.
These entrepreneurs will not only benefit from forgivable loans but also receive tailored coaching to navigate challenges and foster growth. WEV extends deep gratitude to the County of Ventura for their crucial partnership in empowering local businesses.
About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), www.wevonline.org
Women’s Economic Ventures is a nonprofit dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start or grow a business or improve their business and financial skills. WEV provides a full range of small business support – including classes, consulting, and funding – as well as financial literacy programs in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.
Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 20,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made more than $10 million in small business loans and grants and helped nearly 6,000 local businesses start or expand, generating an estimated $598 million in annual sales and sustaining or creating nearly 12,000 local jobs. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center and Microlender, as well as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
To support WEV’s work, please visit www.wevonline.org/support