Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV, pronounced “weave”) is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to creating a just and equitable society through the economic empowerment of women.

WEV provides opportunities for entrepreneurs in every phase of the business life cycle:  start-up, launch, grow, and sustain.  Our programs and services offered fall under the areas of training, access to capital and business services.  All services are open to men and women entrepreneurs interested in starting or growing their business.

At WEV, we believe that women are well qualified to operate a successful business-they just don’t know it, YET! Whether you choose to work for yourself or for someone else, WEV helps you to develop the confidence as well as the personal and technical skills you need to succeed in the business world.

Why Women?

Besides earning 78 cents for every dollar earned by a man, women face many obstacles to economic success.  Women still bear the primary responsibility for caring for the family.  As a result, many postpone business and career opportunities until their children are grown, putting them at a competitive  disadvantage in the job market.  Divorced women who have spent many years as homemakers are particularly disadvantaged.  25% of all female-headed households live in poverty in Santa Barbara County.

Does WEV help Men too?

ABSOLUTELY!  As a Women’s Business Center (WBC) we primarily target women; however, all of our services are available to men. 

Explore our website to learn more about our 14 week Self Employment Training (SET) course where you will learn to work IN and ON your business, conduct marketing feasibility studies, and write a business plan.  Utilize your business plan to gain access to capital to start up or expand your business through our Small Business Loan Fund (SBLF).  Join WEV Got Business and get a FREE business consulting session and sign up for Entrepreneurial Coaching.  Don’t wait: YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR GOAL!!