Courtesy photo.
CENTRAL COAST — Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) celebrated the accomplishments of 78 women and men who have successfully completed WEV’s Self-Employment Training program during a ceremony held at the New Vic Theater in Santa Barbara the evening of May 17th. 48 of the graduates are from Santa Barbara County and 30 from Ventura County.
Over 14 weeks, The Self-Employment Training program teaches entrepreneurs the nuts and bolts of business, and empowers them with the confidence necessary to overcome the inevitable challenges business owners face. Graduates emerge equipped with critical knowledge and tools—and in most cases a business plan—to help them successfully launch or expand their businesses.
During the ceremony, each graduate shared their business venture with a pitch they crafted and perfected throughout the course. Graduates include new and established entrepreneurs with a range of businesses such as: handmade ceramic jewelry, mobile nail salon, corporate leadership seminars, equestrian accessories, artistic products to teach indigenous roots, and an indoor cycling studio.
“After 14 weeks of commitment and hard work, these graduates emerge with the tools needed to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality, from brand new ventures to strategic growth of an established business,” said Marsha Bailey, CEO and Founder of WEV. “We are honored to welcome them to the WEV family and look forwarding to seeing where their accomplishments take them.”
The next Self-Employment Training (SET) course begins in late August. Participants are required to attend a free orientation to enroll in the course. The next orientations dates are listed below:
For individuals who have a business idea or are starting a business, please select one of the orientation dates below:
- Tuesday, June 7th, 12-1pm, Santa Barbara
- Tuesday, June 7th, 6-7pm, Ventura
- Wednesday, June 15th, 12-1pm, Ventura
For individuals who currently own and operate a business, please select one of the orientation dates below:
- Wednesday, June 1st, 6-7pm, Santa Barbara
- Wednesday, June 1st, 6:30-7:30pm, Camarillo
- Thursday, June 16th, 12-1pm, Santa Barbara
Specific location will be given at the time of registration and is subject to change. For more information or to register for the free orientation, call (805) 965-6073 or visit the website at http://wevonline.org/orientations.
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.