Grow your business with confidence
An 8-week course for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs ready to plan their next step.
Emprendimiento is a free, Spanish-language business training program designed to support local entrepreneurs who want to grow their existing business. Over 8 weeks, you’ll build a simple business plan, strengthen your financial readiness, and receive one-on-one guidance from business experts. Graduates can apply for a small business grant to help put their plan into action.
Is Emprendimiento Right for You?
This class is a great fit if you:
- Currently own a business and want to grow or expand
- Need a business plan to guide your next steps
- Want to improve your marketing, finances, or operations
- Are interested in applying for business funding
Haven’t Launched Your Business Yet?
Download WEV’s Business Start-Up Guides for steps to launch your Santa Barbara- or Ventura-based business.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to:
- Create or update your business plan
- Understand your budget, pricing, and expenses
- Identify your target market and improve your marketing strategy
- Present your business clearly and confidently
Topics include:
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Customer targeting and marketing
- Internet marketing and sales
- Business finances and projections
- Legal structure and business taxes
- Preparing a pitch presentation
Graduates will have the opportunity to apply for a small business grant and receive additional support from a WEV business advisor.
A Supportive Environment
This course is taught entirely in Spanish and combines expert instruction with peer learning. Whether you join online or in-person, you’ll gain support, community, and tools you can use right away.
Eligibility
This class is only available to residents of Santa Barbara County and Ventura County.
Applicants who have received WEV Grant Funding within the last two years are not eligible to participate at this time. Applicants are only eligible for one grant opportunity regardless of how many businesses they own.
Ready to Grow Your Business?
Emprendimiento is more than a class—it’s a launchpad. If you’re ready to move forward with a plan and practical support, we’re here to help. Review the schedule of upcoming classes below and fill out an interest form to get started today.
Class Schedule Options
During enrollment, you will have the opportunity to select one of the following class schedules to participate in. Class spaces are limited.
| DATES | SCHEDULE | LANGUAGE | FORMAT | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/27/25 - 10/15/25 | We 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Spanish | Online | Zoom |
ENROLLMENT FOR SANTA BARBARA COUNTY RESIDENTS IS NOW CLOSED. ENROLLMENT FOR VENTURA COUNTY RESIDENTS WILL OPEN IN THE WINTER 2026. TO BE PLACED ON OUR INTEREST LIST, COMPLETE AN INTEREST FORM AND WE WILL REACH OUT TO YOU WHEN ENROLLMENT OPENS IN YOUR AREA.
"On this journey as an entrepreneur, you will face many obstacles. Celebrate your successes and learn invaluable lessons that will help you become someone who makes a meaningful impact in your community."
Sergio Zepeda, Emprendimiento Instructor
