Women's Economic Ventures

Mission
Women's Economic Ventures (WEV, pronounced "weave') is a local, non-profit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women across the globe.

WEV began providing programming for women in the areas of employment, economic literacy, and personal finance in 1987. In 1991, WEV established its self-employment training and microloan programs. Today WEV provides services throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties and licenses its training curriculum to organizations throughout the state.

Why Women?
Besides earning 74 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 families live in poverty in Santa Barbara County.

At WEV, we believe that women are well qualified to operate successful businesses - they just don't know it. 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.

Does WEV help Men, Too?
Yes. Although we primarily target women, business counseling and loans are available to men, especially minority and low-income men who have not had access to traditional job opportunities, training and business capital.

Lean more about WEV Business/Career Training

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