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Dear Friend of WEV,
The staff at WEV are pleased to share our April newsletter...full of info, resources and tips we hope you'll enjoy.
-The WEV Team

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Follow WEV

What's the best way to stay in touch with WEV? Connect with us online. You'll stay up to date on current trends in small business; learn about valuable, local resources; and be motivated by the countless successes of our alumni.
Join the more than 1,000 friends that follow us on Facebook and check our our new Twitter account, WEVGotTweets, today!

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Marsha Bailey Named in Top 50

Marsha Bailey, WEV's Founder and CEO, was selected as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by the Pacific Coast Business Times for the second year in a row. We are proud to see WEV's leader among such an inspiring group of hardworking women! Read more.

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Upcoming Programs

Whether you've a got a budding business idea or 10 years of experience under your belt, WEV's 2011 summer calendar has a program to support your needs.

If you want to formalize a new business idea... WEV will offer a two-day workshop packed with helpful info.

If you want to write a business plan... our Business Plan Intensive (BPI) course will be offered from May 31-July 14.

If you want to take your existing business to the next level... recruitment for our next cohort of Thrive in Five is underway.

For questions or interest in any of these programs, please contact our staff in Santa Barbara (805.965.6073) or Ventura (805.667.8004)

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Client of the Month

Kate Dunbar, SET Graduate

Kate Dunbar rocketed from her Self-Employment Training course to launch Petite Rêve Chocolates. After recognition at the 2010 Women's Festival brought unprecedented exposure to her business, she opened Petite Rêve Cafe, a mouthwatering Ventura destination for coffee, tea and, of course, her famous treats. Her storefront has been open for less than a month, but it's clear that Kate's star is just beginning to rise. Read more.

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WEV Is Recruiting

 SET Instructors

Are you a small business owner or business consultant who loves to teach? WEV has several openings for instructors in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Those selected would be trained to teach WEV’s 14-week Self-Employment Training (SET) Course in English. More info.

Volunteers and Business Experts

Do you have knowledge or skills that could benefit our entrepreneurs? We're building our pool of experts with talented, experienced professionals in a wide variety of fields. Let us know of your interest, and we'll work to match you with our programs. More info.

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New Artist in Ventura

Vinit Satyavrata, SET Graduate

Vinit, owner of Pure Light Photography, is a professional photographer with over 10 years' experience. Growing up in India and traveling has given Vinit's photography a unique perspective on people, moments and life - and having an iPhone has given him access to a camera at all times. The result is a collection of spontaneous, creative photographs, several of which are now on display in WEV's Ventura office. Read more.

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Need One-on-One WEV Support?

  There's just one week left to lock in low rates on a WEV Got Business membership that includes:

• Enhanced listing on WEV's online Business Directory
• 10 free hours of coaching through the Hudson Institute
• One free hour of consulting with a WEV expert
• Additional consulting at a discounted rate

Starting April 12th*, annual WEV Got Business membership rates will increase from $100 to $125. Consulting sessions (sold in 3-hour bundles) will increase from $120 to $165* for WEV Got Business members or from $150 to $210* for non-members.

*Please note that this is a change from last month's newsletter.

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Save the Date for Graduation

  Throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, our Self-Employment Training (SET) and Business Plan Intensive (BPI) students are busily working their way towards graduation. Mark your calendar to celebrate their achievements:

Tuesday, May 17th, 6-8pm, Montecito Country Club

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Be a Career Mentor

  Who hasn’t thought, "If only I knew then what I know now?" By sharing your experience, you can make a difference in the lives of local students with a minimal time commitment. The Segue Career Mentor program makes it easy for you to go into Santa Barbara High School classrooms - at a time that fits your schedule - and share with students the wisdom and lessons you’ve learned throughout your working career. As an entrepreneur, you've learned so much. Why not share it today? Sign up.

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April 6th, 5:30-7:30pm, Canary Hotel, Santa Barbara

If you're self-employed, you need to know the most effective communication strategies to promote your products, image and ideas to your customers and peers. A panel of business experts gathered by the Association for Women in Communication will help you attract and retain clients and move from ideas to income. More info.

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Saturday, April 9th, Ventura

Special deal to WEV students and alumni: only $97 (that’s half off the door price)

• Learn from 5 speakers covering current trends in marketing and business development
• Network with fellow attendees
• Enjoy a savory boxed lunch
• Check out vendors - including WEV! - in the tented trade show
• Shoot a 30-second infomercial in HD in front of a green screen for only $195; ready for your website and YouTube
• Eat, drink and be merry at our Sunset Party overlooking the Ventura coastline
• And yes, meet the former personal manager of Axl Rose

Buy your tickets now! Your business will thank you.
 

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The Santa Barbara chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is accepting applications for 'The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards'. These prestigious awards will honor six women entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara County. Nominate yourself or a friend, and be sure to get your application in by the April 13th deadline. More info. 

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The Ventura County Professional Women's Network will grant a makeover to one lucky woman in Ventura County through their 'Dream Maker' campaign. Nominate yourself or a friend by submitting an application no later than April 15th. More info. 

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Last month's government contracting workshops - offered in collaboration with the Federal Technology Center (FTC) - were heavily attended and included several of our SET students. We hope you'll take advantage as well.

Afterall, the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program allows contracting officers to set aside specific federal contracts for certified women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) and economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs).

Marketing to Government:

• May 12th, 9am-12pm, Ventura; Register, 916.334.9388

 

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May 25th, 12-9pm, Oxnard

Plan to attend this huge event celebrating SCORE's 40 years of service to small businesses in Ventura county. The day will include free seminars on marketing, social media, funding and more; as well as exhibitors like WEV; the Board of Equalization; the IRS; banks; the Chamber of Commerce; and more.

The event is free, but you must register beforehand. More info/registration.

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The following seminars are offered through the Employment Development Department:

Tax Guidelines for Employees & Independent Contractors
April 21st, 9am-12pm, Ventura

You'll learn how to distinguish between an employee and an independent contractor; the basics of statutory employment; reporting requirements; and ways to get assistance. Sign up.

Federal/State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar
May 12th, 9am-12pm, Ventura

You'll learn California's payroll reporting requirements, including forms, employer obligations, reporting and payment requirements. Sign up.

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In This Issue

• Follow WEV
• Marsha Bailey in Top 50
  
• Upcoming Programs
  
• Client of the Month
• WEV Is Recruiting
• New Artist in Ventura
• One-on-One WEV Support
• Graduation Date
  
• Career Mentor
  

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Resources

• 'Think Like a Woman' Workshop
• EDGE Seminar
• Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards
• Dream Makeover
• Marketing for Government Contracts
• SCORE's Anniversary Expo
• Free Tax Seminars

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Craving Adventures creates customized, full-day experiences in food and adventure in Santa Barbara. Owners and SET graduates, Eve Sommer-Belin and Caroline Conner, create your perfect day. Whether that's a simple hike and burgers or skydiving and a private dinner on the beach, they can’t wait to help people discover beautiful Santa Barbara. Congratulations Eve and Caroline!  

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Julia and Michael Crookston, BPI graduates and owners of Goodland Kitchen and Market, opened their Goleta, grab-and-go eatery last month. Goodland Kitchen is committed to local agriculture, sustainability, education and culinary craftsmanship. We wish them luck!

Check out the 'Restaurant Guy's' article for more info.

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Let us know! At WEV, our goal is your success. Help us highlight your achievements. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by the 25th of the month with client achievements or announcements! 

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WEV Got Business
  
Start or renew your WEV Got Business membership today before prices increase from $100 to $125 on April 12th!

WEV welcomes its newest WEV Got Business Members:

Tanya Irwim
Monteve Miller-Clay
Ruby Nishioka

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Group Coaching 6-week Session
Starts April 13th, 6:15-7:30pm

Public speaking is personal, live and creates an immediate intimate relationship with your target audience. Are you using this free marketing tool to get the word out about your business and get your face in front of potential clients and customers?

Coach Lisa Braithwaite
More info/registration.
805.699.6408

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A new shop in Santa Paula, the Best of VC Marketplace, is looking for quality, locally-made products. Best of VC Marketplace will carry gourmet foods, pet products, baby items, toys, books, travel pillows, art, artisan furniture, photography, handmade soaps, notecards, chocolates, local event tickets and more.

Contact Talia Wunder 805-312-1845 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Great opportunity for buyer: Salon Du Mont, in Upper Village, Montecito.

Location has plenty of free parking, amazing mountain views and pleasant environment.

Contact Yazmin
805.969.3195  

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All newly opened businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties are eligible for a year's free listing in Big City Buzz's new business showcase.

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If you've got something for sale or rent - or a special deal to share with the WEV community - let us know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Santa Barbara County
333 S. Salinas St.
Santa Barbara, 93103
805.965.6073

Ventura County
374 Poli St., Suite 207
Ventura, 93001
805.667.8004

Kern County
P.O. Box 5477
3717 Mount Pinos Way,
Unit A
Frazier Park, 93225
805.667.8004

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