WEV General FAQs
What is WEV’s mission? And what do you offer?
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.
When did WEV launch? What impact have you made since then?
WEV is a non-profit. Why do you charge for services?
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.
Does WEV help men and others too?
Is WEV endorsed by any national organizations?
How is WEV managing in-person classes, events, and meetings during the COVID pandemic?
WEV places the utmost importance on the health and safety of our community. WEV follows all guidelines set by CALOSHA and the local municipalities governing our service areas. Because of this, our policies regarding in-person events, meetings, and classes may change during or after registration/enrollment. We will provide the most up to date information possible to all registrants and enrollees as guidelines change.
As of August 30, 2021 and until further notice, WEV requires everyone attending an in-person class, event, or meeting to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
Does WEV have a calendar of events?
Yes. Visit our Upcoming Events page to see our list of networking events, webinars and special events. For specific training courses, coaching programs, and advisory services, please visit those webpages (such as Training Programs, Advisory Services, QuickBooks & Financial Empowerment).
I live outside of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties; can you direct me to an organization like yours in my area?
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
Does WEV offer networking opportunities to local businesses?
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.
Do you have a list of WEV client businesses?
Yes, WEV’s Client Business Directory showcases local businesses whose owners are graduates of WEV’s business training programs, Small Business Loan Fund recipients or Advisory clients. Support your local economy and fellow WEV business owners by searching the directory before making purchases of goods and services!
Advisory FAQs
How do I know if I should join Thrive?
Thrive is for clients who are currently in business, have a current business plan and accounting software in place, and are committed to stabilizing or expanding their business.
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.
How long is the program?
What if I only want short-term help?
When can I enroll?
How much does the program cost?
Which Business Advisor will I be working with?
Upon enrollment, you will be matched with the advisor we feel will be the best fit for your business’ needs and you can read the biographies of our business advisors here on our website.
Business Training FAQs
How do I enroll in a training program?
- Complete an Interest Form.
- Once you complete the form, use the links provided to schedule a conversation with one of WEV’s Program Coordinators.
- After this conversation, a WEV Program Coordinator will invite you to submit a complete online application.
How often are the classes held?
Where are the classes held?
How much does the class cost?
Can men take the class?
I am taking the course with my business partner/spouse, so do we both have to pay the tuition?
What time are classes offered?
Do you provide child care?
Can I retake WEV’s business training courses?
Can I buy a copy of the SET workbook?
Are classes offered in Spanish? ¿Se ofrecen cursos en español?
Loan FAQs
Visit the Loans FAQs page here.