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Dear Friend of WEV,
We wish you a happy and prosperous new year!
-The WEV Team

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It's that time of year again... WEV's Self-Employment Training and Business Plan Intensive courses start next month! More than 4,000 people in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties have gone through our courses. Is now the right time for you or someone you know to enroll?

Click here to sign up for an orientation.

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WEV Alumni

A Fundraising Force to Be Reckoned With

Over a dozen events throughout both counties, scores of new donors, the first-ever WEV graduate online marketplace for holiday shopping and almost $60,000 later—WEV Alumni have accomplished an incredible feat in just 3 months for WEV’s Inaugural Alumni Fund Campaign.

WEV Alumni Kristin Anderson, of Lime Green Monkey, raised over $1,600 in one night! Kristin says, “Just as it's
important to be passionate about your business, I think it's also important to create a fundraiser that is an event you personally would want to attend, and that your friends would attend -- because when it comes down to it, the majority of attendees will most likely be those from your circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances who want to support you and something you believe in -- in this case, WEV.

As a mom who spends a lot of time with her little boy, I wanted an event that would give me a break from mommyhood, give me a cultural opportunity with good food and wine, reflect my eco-friendly business values and all at a price that my friends and I could afford.” A huge thank you to all who participated, and who donated to help create scholarship opportunities for low-income 2011 Self-Employment Training clients. We cannot thank you enough. To get involved in the 2011 Alumni Campaign, contact Shana Pearson at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

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Client of the Month

 Angela Torin, Hampstead Village

 Angela Torin dreamed of one day opening a store in Santa Barbara specializing in all the fine goods she once had at her fingertips in England. With retail experience in England under her belt, she took WEV's Self-Employment Training (SET) course to gain the knowledge and network needed to transform her dream into reality. Just seven months after graduating from the SET program, Angela opened Hampstead Village in Santa Barbara's charming La Arcada Court. Read more.

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114 Graduates Ready for Business

On December 15th, 114 men and women celebrated the completion of WEV’s Self- Employment Training and Business Plan Intensive programs in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. After 14 weeks of training in finance, leadership skills, marketing and more, these graduates are ready to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Marjorie Luke Theatre in Santa Barbara and included an expo of client's businesses.

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Thousand Oaks CDBG Discussions

The City of Thousand Oaks invites the participation of all residents and other interested parties in discussions of how the City's CDBG's funds should be used. Two January events are being held for public review and comment opportunities. Click here for dates and details.

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A new technology tool for small businesses is now available to help them grow and create jobs. The new education resource, Business Technology Simplified, helps small business owners connect the dots between entrepreneurship and technology to give them a competitive edge. The U.S. Small Business Administration and Microsoft have teamed up to develop this free, comprehensive guide on how technology can improve the small business owner’s chances for success.

The Business Technology Simplified online course allows quick access by small business owners to learn more about basic technology tools that can help their companies run more efficiently.

Click here to access the course, then click 'Business Technology Simplified' in the 'Highlighted Courses' section. Click here to access the course as an eBook.
 

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Registration is now open for the 2011 Women's Festival at the Earl Warren Showgrounds March 4 - 5, 2011.

Explore the critical paths of your life: personal, professional, philanthropic, planet and much more. Join your professional and entrepreneurial friends by attending and supporting this amazing event.

Click here to learn more about the 2011 Women's Festival and to register. If you'd like to get involved, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

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Tackle this essential topic for employers at a free workshop offered by the Economic Development Department.

You'll learn about California's payroll reporting requirements -- everything from what forms to use and your obligations as an employer.

View complete workshop schedule.
 

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In This Issue

• WEV Courses Start in February
• WEV Alumni
• Client of the Month
• 114 Graduates
• Thousand Oaks CDBG

 

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Resources

• Technology Guide
• Improve Your Public Speaking
• 2011 Women's Festival
• Payroll Reporting

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WEV Graduate Michelle Hirrell's booming and blooming, Ventura floral business Shell's Petals will appear in the magazine, Inspired Weddings.

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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 28th of the month with client achievements or announcements! 

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WEV Got Business

Welcome to our newest members!

Eileen Chambers,
    Montana Blue          
    Publishing
Elsa Cisneros,
    Daily Greenz, etc.
Ari Friedman,
    Auto Film Central
Charlotte Gould & Mary Ballard,
    Dancing Shadows
Laree Henning & Kelly Springer,
    Global Guidance LLC
Jenny Johnson,
    The Fields of Joy   
    Pre-School
Vina Lustado,
    Sol Haus Design
Maureen Martone,
    Sweet Home Coffee 
    Cart
Millie Mendez,
    Heart Celebrations
Shanti Pincock,
    Brilliance in Motion
Heather Sourial,
    Women’s Athenaeum
    of Santa Barbara
Tom Whipple,
    Smartovation

Start or renew your WEV Got Business membership today!

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  Lovely office/meeting space in Victoria Courtyard

Shared space. Ground floor. Possible retail use. 525 sq ft, partitioned with curtain to keep the office area hidden. Ideal for wedding industry professionals and more.
Share Rent with utilities, electric, water, trash, internet = $480/mo

 

Call Amy Lundstrom of Vita-Bella Photography at 805.962.1092.

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Available to four WEV Students/Graduates

 

Folded Crane Design is looking to expand their portfolio of work and would like to focus on small businesses. They would like to offer free web design services (up to six pages) to four different businesses. If you need a website or a re-design, please contact Kathleen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

for more detailed information regarding this offer.

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Public speaking coach Lisa Braithwaite's next group coaching program starts Wednesday, January 19. The program runs for six weeks and meets from 6:15-7:30 p.m. There is only space for seven people, so reserve your spot now! 20% discount for WEV grads! Click here for registration and more information.

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"No I Won't and You Can't Make Me!" - Effectively Dealing With Power Struggles

Westlake: Tuesday, January 11, 6:30- 9:30 pm
Ojai: Thursday, January 13, 6:30- 9:30 pm
WEV graduate and facilitator, Deborah Godfrey, has been teaching this workshop for 17 years.

Call 805.648.6846 for location and to reserve a space or register online at positiveparenting.com

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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 552
3717 Mount Pinos Way,
Unit A
Frazier Park, 93225
805.667.8004

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