Resources
| Women’s Economic Ventures: Entrepreneurship and Opportunities During Economic Uncertainty |
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August 3, 2010 VENTURA & SANTA BARBARA COUNTIES - With State unemployment rates still in the double digits (12.4%), gaining new business skills can provide a competitive edge, and starting a business may actually be a survival strategy. From 2008 to 2009, women-owned businesses totaled 7.2 million firms, employing 7.3 million people, and generating $1.1 trillion in sales. Today, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is looking to add to this number and provides programs and other resources to help one start or grow a business.
Their core 14-week Self-Employment Training courses start in September in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Self-Employment Training (SET) WEV’s comprehensive 14 week, 56-hour Self-Employment Training (SET) program is targeted to women (also serves men), and provides guidance on how to start, operate or expand a business. Participants leave the course with a complete business plan including a marketing plan, a cash flow projection, an operations plan, and a core network to help sustain the business. The program is offered in both English and Spanish, and provides week-by-week training in the most important aspects of organizing, financing, marketing and managing a small business. Topics include finances, marketing and sales, public relations and advertising, legal and insurance issues, record keeping, and how to write a business plan. After the 14 week course, WEV SET graduates emerge with the most important tools and resources they need to start a new business or grow their current business. Since 1991, WEV has helped to create or expand over 2,000 businesses, creating or retaining over 3,000 local jobs. The Self-Employment Training course is offered twice each year, with classes starting in February and in September. The class runs for 14 consecutive weeks, one night a week for three hours, and includes two full Saturdays. Classes are taught in Santa Maria, Buellton, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks and Ventura. Participants considering the course are required to attend a free one-hour orientation workshop. These orientations offer a complete overview of the SET course and help clients assess whether self-employment is right for them. (SEE BELOW FOR UPCOMING ORIENTATION DATES). English and Spanish language orientations are held in Santa Maria, Buellton, Santa Barbara, Thousand Oaks and Ventura.
UPCOMING ORIENTATION DATES – Please call or visit the website today to make a reservation. Santa Barbara965-6073 or www.wevonline.org English: Time: 12 – 1 pm Time: 6 – 7 pm
English: Time: 12 – 1 pm Time: 6 – 7 pm Spanish: Time: 7 – 8 pm
Ventura English: Time: 6 – 7 pm Time: 12 – 1 pm
Thousand Oaks
Business Plan Intensive In late September, WEV will offer Business Plan Intensive, an accelerated, six-week business plan writing course, designed for business professionals who need access to capital quickly. Business Plan Intensive is perfect for new entrepreneurs and current business owners who need to implement a launch or a growth strategy and need an infusion of capital to succeed. The course includes emphasis on financial intelligence and integrated marketing techniques, and a viability study. The Self-Employment Training course is part of the continuum of programs WEV offers to help women start-up, launch, grow, and sustain their own business, including: business consulting, advanced business training, and small business start-up and expansion loans. WEV is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. For more information please call 805-965-6073 or visit www.wevonline.org. Sources: State of California Employment Development Department; Center for Women’s Business Research |