Coaching is offered in collaboration with the Hudson Institute (HI) of Santa Barbara, a premier training ground for leaders and professionals. WEV works with experienced professionals from HI’s Professional Coach Certification Program to offer quality coaching at below-market rates. Coaching is done via phone, as coaches are located across the United States.

Entrepreneurial coaching pushes individuals to work at their peak capacity by identifying and developing their personal skills and assets. Coaching helps individuals be accountable and achieve clarity about their goals in order to improve the business. Entrepreneurial coaching focuses on professional goals and aspirations but, often evolves into life coaching. Life coaching examines how a person's business integrates with other life plans, priorities, opportunities and constraints. There is a holistic approach to coaching that is not part of business consulting.

Please visit the Hudson Institute website for more information and to determine if coaching may be appropriate for your needs.

How do I get started with a Hudson coach?

1. Once you have decided that coaching would benefit your business growth, join WEV Got Business. 10 sessions are included in this membership (If you have previously received entrepreneurial coaching through WEV, 5 free sessions are included).
   Please note that finding a coach is seasonal: a larger selection of Hudson coaches generally look for clients in May/June and November/December, although your sessions may continue on past these months.
2. Browse the biographies of coaches looking for coachees by visiting the 'Select a Coach' page of the Hudson website.
3. Contact the coaches you think best match your needs and conduct initial interviews.
   1. Most coaches are located out of the Santa Barbara and Ventura county areas, so a reliable phone and email service is needed in order to connect with your coach.
   2. Treat any appointments made with your coach as an in-person business appointment (even if it is by phone), and use proper etiquette for cancellation or rescheduling.
4. Once you have selected a coach, schedule your first coaching session and agree with your coach on the terms of your coaching relationship!
5. You must complete and fax/mail the WEV Intake Form to the WEV office prior to beginning your coaching sessions, and write your coach’s name in the top right-hand corner.

If you would like to continue coaching beyond your 10 free sessions, you must make the arrangement with your coach (terms, cost, etc).

For Hudson coaches:

Per WEV’s reporting requirements to funders, the SBA Counseling Information form (Part III ONLY) must be filled out for EVERY coaching session (only questions: #31 and #44-52) and returned to WEV by the 25th of each month via email at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax (805) 962-9622. Thank you for your cooperation in order to help WEV secure continued funding for our programs and services!