General

WEV is a non-profit. Why do you charge for services?
A non-profit corporation is supported by a variety of income sources including grants, donations and fees. WEV charges fees for two reasons:
1) We believe that clients will be more committed to successfully completing our programs if they have invested their own money in their training and
2) Program fees are an important component of WEV's income and sustainability - we couldn't survive without fee income.
The difference between a non-profit and a for-profit corporation is that the non-profit exists for the benefit of the public. There are no shareholders in a non-profit and although we may show a "profit" at the end of the year, any excess earnings cannot be distributed but must be kept in the non-profit coffers to serve the organization's mission.

I would like a calendar of events, can you send me one?
A complete calendar of events is available on our website; please visit our Calendar. We do not currently publish a printed calendar.

I heard WEV offers grants and free money, is this true?
WEV does not give grants or free money. It has come to our attention that some publications have printed this erroneous information. We hope you didn't "pay" for it!

I live out of town, can you direct me to an organization like yours in my area?
Please click the link to search for an association in your state who can direct you to an organization in your area:
Search AEO members by state
Search SBA's Resource Partners

Do you have any local statistics on my field of business?
Great information can be found in your public library. Also visit the Useful Links page on our website under the Market Research category.

Does WEV offer networking opportunities to local businesses?
By getting involved in some of WEV's programs and events, you will find yourself not only networking, but making friends and having fun. Perhaps you could be a guest speaker at one of our classes, attend a graduation ceremony in your region, or join WEV Got Business and add your business to our Business Directory! If you have not already done so, sign up for our mailing list so you can stay up to date on all of WEV happenings!

Can I buy a copy of the SET workbook?
The current version of the SET workbook is available to the public for $100, or $35 for an older version. You may purchase one by calling your regional WEV office.

How can I get a copy of the Alumni Directory?
You may browse the online directory. This is a listing of the current WEV Got Business (formerly W!) members, and has replaced the printing of any directories.

Can I retake the course?
We permit graduates to retake the course; scholarship eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis. If you graduated more than 1 year ago, we do require that you attend an orientation and fill out an application to enroll. Call your regional office or visit our Orientations page to sign up.

Self-Employment Training

How often are the classes held?
SET is offered in September and February. Attendance of an orientation is required to enroll in the course.
 
Where are the classes held?
Classes are held in Santa Barbara, Northern Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. For more information on specific locations, visit our Orientations page.

How much does the class cost?
The full cost of the course is $2,500. However, the course is offered on a sliding scale fee based on your household income for the past year.

I am taking the course with my business partner/spouse, do we both have to pay the tuition?
Yes. You both will receive a complete curriculum, and the instructor will be working with both of you throughout the course.

Do I need a business idea to take the class?
Yes. Since the course takes you through the process of writing a complete business plan, we recommend you enter the class with 1-2 business ideas upon which to base your plan.

I am already in business, can I take the class?
Absolutely! Many of our clients come to us with goals of growing and improving their business. Writing a business plan is the perfect avenue for moving forward.

Do you offer classes during the day?
Our day-time class is offered in Oxnard on Wednesday mornings. The rest of the courses are offered during the evening. Since the majority of our clients work full-time, we have created evening courses to accommodate their needs.

Do you provide child care?
We do not have child care available.

Can men take the class?
Yes, all of WEV's programs and services are available to women and men. WEV's target clients are women, in alignment with our mission.

Is SET offered in Spanish? Se ofrece el curso de Capacitación Empresarial en español?
Yes, SET classes are also offered in Spanish. Please visit our Orientations page. Si, se ofrece el curso en español también. Favor de visitar la página de Orientations para más información.

After attending the orientation, how can I submit my SET application?
Please make an appointment or send/fax your paperwork to your regional office - see our Contact Us page.

Business Loans

How do I get a loan?
Complete loan information is available on our website. We answer your questions about loan amounts, fees, use of money and how to apply. Go to our Get a Loan Overview and Application pages.

Do I have to take SET to get a loan?
Although loan applicants are not required to take the Self-Employment Training course, some business training assistance is required. Complete information on where to get assistance is available on our Get a Loan pages.

If I take the class, will I get a loan?
There is no guarantee that all clients will get loans. Each loan applicant will be considered individually. Please see our Get a Loan pages for complete information.

Where can I get help with my business plan?
1. WEV's Self-Employment Training course or Business Consulting
2. SBCC's Scheinfeld Program for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
3. SCORE