WEV Programs and Community Engagement Intern

Position Title: Programs and Community Engagement Intern
Reports To: Director of Programs
Status: Part-time, Paid Internship
Location: Santa Barbara, CA with remote work option
Schedule: 15-20 hours per week during Fall 2026

Position Overview

Are you looking to gain meaningful work experience while making a difference in your community? Are you passionate about supporting women, entrepreneurs, and small business owners? Join Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV, pronounced “weave”) as a Programs and Community Engagement Intern. WEV is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the economic empowerment of women through entrepreneurship, financial education, and business advising. For 35 years, WEV has helped individuals throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties build financial confidence, launch and grow businesses, increase income, and create greater economic opportunity for themselves and their families.

WEV is seeking a detail-oriented, personable, and proactive intern to work 10–20 hours per week during Fall 2026. The intern’s primary projects will include improving the accuracy of WEV’s online business directory and helping organize a client business showcase celebrating WEV’s 35th anniversary in early December 2026. The intern will also support community outreach and help identify business-to-business opportunities to connect WEV services with new businesses, organizations, and other potential customers.

Primary Responsibilities

Business Directory Research and Client Outreach

• Review and clean WEV’s business directory data to improve its accuracy, consistency,
  and completeness.
• Conduct online research to verify client business information, including business names,
  websites, social media accounts, contact information, locations, and services.
• Contact WEV clients by phone and email to confirm or update their directory listings
  using scripted questions.
• Communicate clearly and professionally while providing a positive experience for WEV
  clients/ alumni.
• Track outreach efforts, client responses, and data updates in an organized and timely
  manner.
• Handle client information with care and follow WEV’s confidentiality and data-quality
  practices.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the directory as a tool for promoting and
  connecting WEV-supported businesses.

35th Anniversary Business Showcase

• Assist with planning and organizing a client business showcase celebrating WEV’s 35th
  anniversary, tentatively taking place in December 2026.
• Support outreach to prospective vendors, exhibitors, partners, and participants.
• Help coordinate event logistics, including participant information, timelines, materials,
  and day-of-event needs.
• Collaborate with WEV’s Programs team to help promote the event and highlight client
  businesses.
• Assist with event setup, implementation, and follow-up as needed.

Community and Business-to-Business Outreach

• Identify opportunities to connect WEV with prospective customers, vendors, community
  partners, and other small businesses.
• Gather and share relevant business-to-business opportunities with WEV staff.
• Develop a strong understanding of WEV’s programs and services to provide accurate
  information and appropriate referrals
• Help automate procurement processes to better leverage business-to-business
  opportunities.
• Provide additional administrative and program support as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Minimum

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort conducting online research and contacting clients by phone and email.
• Ability to stay organized, manage multiple assignments, and follow through on tasks.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Alignment with WEV’s mission and commitment to serving people from diverse social,
  economic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 or similar workplace technology.
• Willingness to learn new databases and digital tools.
• Reliable transportation for occasional regional events and outreach activities.

Preferred

• Current college or university student or recent graduate in business, communications,
  marketing, event planning, social sciences, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Experience with customer service, community outreach, research, data entry, or event
  coordination.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, small business development, economic empowerment, or
  nonprofit work.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and ability to recognize opportunities and make thoughtful
  connections.
• Familiarity with Santa Barbara and Ventura County communities.
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills are a plus.

Compensation: $18/hour

About WEV

Women’s Economic Ventures is a nonprofit organization that has supported entrepreneurs in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties since 1991. Through business training, financial education, advising, and connections to funding resources, WEV helps individuals build thriving businesses and stronger financial futures.

WEV’s culture is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and results-oriented. Successful interns are curious, dependable, comfortable taking ownership of their work, and willing to contribute ideas and creativity. WEV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply to Work with WEV