WEV Business Consulting Helps Local Entrepreneurs Strengthen Their Businesses and Communities

Women’s Economic Ventures’ Business Consulting Helps Local Entrepreneurs Strengthen Their Businesses and Communities

Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, CA — From coffee shops and beauty salons to startups and design studios, local small businesses power our economy—and Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is helping them grow stronger every day. Running a business can be exciting—but also overwhelming. Many entrepreneurs face challenges like financial stress, lack of strategic planning, or simply not knowing where to turn for support. That’s where WEV comes in.

For over 30 years, WEV has provided expert, one-on-one business consulting to entrepreneurs across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. WEV’s business advisors help clients make confident decisions, improve day-to-day operations, strengthen financial practices, and plan for sustainable growth.

And the results speak for themselves:

• 69% of WEV-supported businesses grew their revenue—by an average of 72%—over two years
• 50% of returning clients increased their household income
• WEV-assisted entrepreneurs starting with no emergency savings built, on average, $5,000 in reserves in just one year

“Entrepreneurs come to us with incredible passion, but often without the tools to scale or stabilize,” said Nicki Parr, WEV CEO. “We help them build those tools—so they can grow with confidence and strengthen their impact on families and communities.”

WEV offers customized, affordable consulting in English and Spanish, available to business owners at any stage. From refining pricing to boosting online visibility or improving time management, WEV’s advisors are a trusted partner in helping small businesses move forward.

Real Support. Real Results.

Elaine O’Malia, owner of Laine Designs

Elaine O’Malia, owner of Laine Designs, was ten years into running her marketing firm when she found herself stuck and unsure of what to do next. “I was ready to quit,” she said. “WEV helped me get clear on my finances and strategy—and reminded me why I started in the first place. Now I’m confident in where I’m going, and I know I don’t have to do it alone.”

Ready to take your business to the next level?

In addition to business consulting, WEV offers training programs, financial education, and microloans for small businesses. Visit wevonline.org/consulting to learn more.

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About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), www.wevonline.org

Women’s Economic Ventures is a nonprofit dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start or grow a business and improve their business and financial skills. WEV provides a full range of small business support – including classes, consulting, and funding – as well as financial literacy programs in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes everyone 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 20,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made more than $10 million in small business loans and grants and helped nearly 6,000 local businesses start or expand, generating an estimated $598 million in annual sales and sustaining or creating nearly 12,000 local jobs. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, as well as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

To support WEV’s work, please visit wevonline.org/donate.