FAQs

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women.

WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills. WEV provides small business training, advisory services, financial literacy programs and small business loans in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.  While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 19,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made more than $6.4 million in small business loans and helped more than 5,000 local businesses start or expand, generating an estimated $770 million in annual sales and creating nearly 12,000 local jobs.

As a non-profit corporation, WEV is supported by a variety of funding sources including grants, donations, and fees. WEV offers some free services and, when necessary, charges a nominal fee for two reasons:

1) We believe that clients will be more committed to successfully completing our programs if they have invested their own money in their training and

2) Program fees are an important component of WEV’s funding and sustainability. The funding allows us to offer programs at lower costs, provide scholarships whenever possible, and continue serving our local business community.

The difference between a non-profit and a for-profit corporation is that the non-profit exists for the benefit of the public. There are no shareholders in a non-profit and although we may show a “profit” at the end of the year, any excess earnings cannot be distributed but must be kept in the non-profit coffers to serve the organization’s mission.

Yes. While WEV’s focus is on women, we welcome people of all gender identities into our WEV community.

WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center and Microlender, as well as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Please click the link to search for an association in your state who can direct you to an organization in your area:

California
California’s Women’s Business Center Network
California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity (CAMEO)

National
Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC)
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
SBA District Offices & Resource Partners

Yes. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills.  We host monthly networking events in English and Spanish.

Check out our Strong Women, Strong Coffee and Café Conexito events on the Upcoming Events page for more information.

Whether you participate in any of our business training courses, advisory services, financial literacy programs, coaching, or small business loan programs – volunteer or support us – you become part of the WEV community. The WEV community is comprised of like-minded business colleagues, educators, trainers, mentors and advisors – networking and connecting to help local small business owners learn and thrive.

Sign up for our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on all WEV happenings.

WEV’s Business Advisory Services could be the right fit if you are:.

• Ready to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of your business
• Looking to grow your business
• Seeking help in areas of your business that you are unsure how to address
• Interested in accessing experts in areas of business ranging from Marketing Plans to Contract Law
• Hoping for accountability to reach your goals
• Excited to invest now in your long-term success
• Dedicating more time to working ON your business than to working IN your business

Thrive is for clients who are currently in business, and are committed to stabilizing or expanding their business. Ideally clients have a current business plan and are able or willing to track business financials.

If you are unsure which program is the best fit for your business, one of our program staff will be happy to have a conversation with you to help decide.

Upon enrollment, we ask that clients commit for one year. Many clients re-enroll annually for several years.

We have options! If you have a specific question regarding your business, fill out an Interest Form and we can pair you with an expert to provide guidance.

Enrollment is ongoing – you may enroll and receive services at any time.

Thrive costs $95 per month, or – if paid in full up front – $995 for the year.

Classes begin on a quarterly basis. Not every class is held every quarter. See course descriptions on our Business Training page for the upcoming dates of a particular class.

Currently all courses are virtual. We anticipate returning to teaching in-person classes in Santa Barbara and Ventura once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Cost varies by course but will fall between the range of $0 – $225. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Yes, all of WEV’s programs and services are available to women and men.

Yes, both would pay tuition since clients are enrolled as individuals. However, you can work together on the same business plan.

Most classes are offered in the evenings between 6:30-8:30 pm, but this varies by course.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer child care.

Yes, we permit graduates to retake courses; scholarship eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The current version of the SET workbook is available to past graduates for $100, or $35 for an older version. You may purchase one by calling your regional WEV office, subject to availability.

Yes, classes are also offered in Spanish. Please review our Spanish course descriptions and call our office at (805) 456-2383 for more information. Si, se ofrecen cursos en español también. Favor de revisar nuestra página de Capacitación Empresarial y llamar a nuestra oficina al (805) 456-2383 para más información.