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Dear Friend of WEV,
As we enter the last month of 2011, we hope you'll take some time to reflect on the year and plan for 2012. Let these resources and stories of success be your guide!
-The WEV Staff
Buy Local Week: Nov 25 - Dec 4 There's still time to celebrate BALLE's Buy Local Week! As the holidays approach us, it's the perfect time to purchase items from independent, locally-owned businesses in your community. A shift of just 10% of holiday spending toward locally owned businesses has the potential to create an impact of billions in economic activity in just two months!
WEV's Fall 2011 Graduation
Please join WEV in celebrating the accomplishments of our Fall 2011 Self-Employment Training (SET) graduates! You'll be inspired by the dynamic class speakers and elevator speeches during the ceremony, followed by the client expo.
When: Thursday, December 15th, 6-8pm
Where: Montecito County Club, 920 Summit Road, Montecito
Cake and coffee will be served following the ceremony. This event is free and RSVPs are not necessary!
FoodStuff: How to Turn Your Food Passion into Profits
 Can Grandma’s secret salsa recipe be turned into a successful business? Join WEV and four local food entrepreneurs at Goodland Kitchen to learn about starting or growing a specialty food business. More info & register.
Pre-register TODAY - we expect this event will sell out!When: Thursday, December 8th, 6-8pm Where: Goodland Kitchen, 231 S. Magnolia, Old Town Goleta Details: $5 (pre-registration required)
Get the Support You Need
OrientationsWEV's free, one-hour informational sessions are the best way to learn about our Spring 2012 programs like the Self-Employment Training (SET) and Business Plan Intensive (BPI) courses. Reserve a spot in one of the four remaining orientations in 2011. Roundtables Tailored group support for emerging businesses. Whether you're in business part-time, have yet to launch, or have recently launched, Roundtables provide the continued education and accountability you need to move your business forward. Roundtables will begin in January and meet once a month. Four sessions are $125 - or only $100 if you're a current SET or BPI client! More info.Thrive in FiveFind out how Thrive in Five can provide the accountability, guidance and "tough love" you need to push your business to the next level. Contact Program Manager Lisa Champagne-Minyard at
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Call for Photographers!
WEV is in the process of selecting its 2011 Success Stories and would like to have two WEV client photographers take the photos to be seen on the website, ads, and other marketing materials!
One photographer each from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties need to be available for 2-3 half-day sessions before December 16 (days TBD). WEV staff and the photographer will carpool or travel separately to different client businesses within the county. WEV can offer a stipend for this project and will credit the photographer on our website.
If interested, please email Program Manager Leah Gonzales at
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with samples of your work.
WEV Connects at ZFolio GalleryOn November 16th, WEV supporters, clients and community members gathered at Z Folio Gallery in Solvang for the last WEV Connects event of 2011. Attendees admired the gorgeous art work and jewelry in the gallery while making connections with their fellow local business owners.
Many thanks to Z Folio Gallery owners and WEV clients Zdena Jiroutova and Michael Mendizza for hosting the event and donating a portion of the proceeds from the evening back to WEV. Also a big thank you to the WEV clients that generously donated items for the silent auction – Decadence Fine Cakes & Confections, Windhaven Glider Rides, A Blissful Place Wellness Center and Z Folio Gallery. In total the event raised $1,185 to support WEV’s programs! Stay tuned for information on WEV Connects events in 2012!
Resources
Need New Customers?
Try government contracting! Need to know more? Check out this website and the following local resources: ' Should I pursue government contracting?' How to Do Business with the GovernmentDecember 3rd, 8:30am-3pm, The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce, Westlake Village. Offered for $59 through SCORE, this workshop covers the city, state and federal government as well as the Navy. More info. Marketing to GovernmentDecember 8th, 9am-12pm, WEV's Santa Barbara office, More info. WEV hosts free workshops in collaboration with the Federal Technology Center (FTC). Register online or call 916.334.9388.
The Importance of Mentors "I recently had the privilege of being invited to speak on a panel hosted by Women's Economic Ventures..." Read Lili Rahmati's blog about her experience speaking on WEV's Business Ready panel in Ventura. She offers wisdom to budding and established entrepreneurs alike on the value of mentorship.
In Our Last Issue
Client of the Month - November
 WEV's first-ever Kern County Self-Employment Training course was launched this summer. The class achieved a 100% business plan completion rate, one of the few times in WEV's history! Read more.
Santa Barbara and Ventura Axxess
These Coupon Books Make Great Holiday Gifts!
 Save money AND support WEV at the same time?! Let the savings begin. Get your Ventura or Santa Barbara Axxess card today through WEV. Each card costs $30 and $10 of that amount will be generously donated back to support WEV’s programs. Get yours today!Did you know that WEV’s Small Business Loan Fund provided SB Axxess with a loan in its infancy – over 10 years ago! And now they've expanded to more communities – including Ventura!
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