December 2014, Issue 2

-The WEV Staff

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Congratulations to Fall SET 2014 Graduates!

Last night, WEV celebrated the women and men who graduated from the Fall 2014 Self Employment Training (SET) course. Seventy-seven graduates inspired friends and family as they delivered their elevator speeches to an audience of 250. The ceremony was followed by a client expo where graduates displayed their newly polished businesses for the first time. Congratulations, Fall SET 2014 graduates; we can’t wait to see your progress over the next few months.

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Your Gift to WEV Will be Doubled!
When you invest in WEV, you’re investing in the small businesses that make our community unique. A long-time WEV supporter has generously provided a challenge grant to help us meet our year-end fundraising goal. She will match your gift, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. Whether you can help a little or a lot, we thank you for your gift and for being part of our community.
Click here to donate!

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Read this blog post by Spanish Program Coordinator, Leticia Sandoval, here and if you missed last week’s blog titled “Playing With Numbers,” be sure to click here and join the conversation.

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WEV Funds Jada Delaney
Jada Delaney has been in business since 1998 providing a customized blend of ancient and modern healing techniques to revitalize the body and gain optimum health achieved with Chinese abdominal massage. Jada is a WEV Spring 2014 SET graduate who recently received a WEV loan to expand her business in downtown Santa Barbara.
Click here to visit her website!

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Client of the Month: Reyna Chavez

 

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WEV Job Opening: Spanish Program Coordinator 

WEV is seeking a part-time Spanish Program Coordinator in North Santa Barbara county, beginning January 2015. Though part-time, this position is an active member of the program team, participating in collaborative processes to deliver impactful programs and services for WEV’s Latino and Spanish-speaking clients.

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Spring 2015 Business Training Courses: Now Enrolling!
If you know someone who wants to start a business, then be sure to share our Orientation info with them. Our classes function on a first-come, first-served basis and are filling quickly. Click here for more information and to sign up for an orientation today!

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WEV’S ‘SHOP LOCAL’ Holiday Gift Guide
We challenge you to shift 10% of your holiday spending to locally owned small businesses. In an effort to help you discover the many locally owned gems in the community, we’re going to feature WEV client businesses throughout the month on Facebook! Be sure to ‘like’ the WEV Facebook page so you can follow along. 

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Resources

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Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber Mixer
Celebrate the holidays while getting to know members of the Santa Barbara Hispanic Business Chamber! 

When: December 18th, 5:30-7:30 pm
Where: Mira Bella Salon and Spa, 1819 Cliff Drive, Suite B, Santa Barbara
Cost: Free
Click here for more information and to register.

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Global Good Impact’s New Years Eve Carnival Party Extravaganza! 
WEV client business, Global Good Impact is a local organization that supports community building projects locally and internationally. Bring in 2015 with extraordinary dance performances, live music, a DJ, exquisite food, cocktails, a cupcake champagne toast and plethora of surprises until 4 am. Ticket includes 2 drinks, tasty treats, access to fabulous costume attire for photos and an evening you won’t forget!

A portion of event proceeds support Global Good Impact Community Building Projects including Santa Barbara Open Streets.

When: December 31st, 8 pm-4 am
Where: Art Foundry, 120 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara
Cost: $55 until Dec. 20th; $65 until Dec. 29th; $75 at the door. 
Discount Promo Code: WEV gets you $10 discount!
Click here to buy your tickets.

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Bilingual Networking & Social Media Workshop
Learn how to use social media to help your business succeed! Presented by Adam Casillas & Richard Ramos, founders of VC’s Latino Business Expo, and in collaboration with Camarillo Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business Council.

When: January 7th, 6-7 pm
Where: Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, 2400 East Ventura Blvd., Camarillo
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.

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Thinking About Starting a Nonprofit?
California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits) is offering a jam-packed, fast paced “How to Start a Nonprofit” webinar led by their CEO Jan Masaoka. There will be time for questions and answers, and the slides will be available to participants after the webinar. 

When: January 8th, 11 am-12 pm
Where: Online 
Cost: Free for members; $10 for nonmembers
Click here to learn more and register.

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Start-up Funding Presentation & Discussion
Understand & analyze financial concepts relevant to startup businesses at this workshop. There will be a short presentation covering early stage startup financing, followed by a discussion led by professionals with experience at companies that have sought or received funding. Presented by Latino Start Up Alliance & Cardona Law. 

When: January 14th, 6-8:15 pm
Where: Goleta Entrepreneurial Magnet, 600 Pine Ave, Goleta
Click here to RSVP. Refreshments and snacks provided. 

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HUBZone/8(a) Workshop
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is happy to host a workshop to provide a brief overview on the HUBZone and 8(a) Business Development programs. 

When: January 15th, 9:30-11 am
Where: Camarillo Public Library, 4101 E. Las Posas Road, Camarillo
Cost: Free
Registration is required and space is limited. Please RSVP to lado@sba.gov with your name, company name, and telephone number by January 12th.
For more information, call Beatriz Devis at (818) 552-3223.

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State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar 
The Employment Development Department (EDD) invites you to join them for a free State Labor Law and Payroll Tax Seminar. 

When: January 13th, 9 am-3:30 pm 
Where: EDD Office 4820 McGrath St. Suite 200, Ventura
Cost: Free
For more information and to RSVP, click here.

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2015 Employment Law Update
Join SCORE and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce for an update on the new laws, regulations and court rulings that will impact employers in 2015.
 
When: January 15, 8-10 am (check-in and refreshments at 7:30 am)
Where: Ventura City Hall Community Room, 501 Poli Street, 2nd Floor, Ventura
Cost: Free
Click here to learn more and register. 

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Employee or Independent Contractor Seminar 
The Employment Development Department (EDD) invites you to join them for a free Employee or Independent Contractor Seminar. 

When: January 22nd, 9 am-12 pm
Where: America’s Job Center of California, Simi Valley Room, 980 Enchanted Way, Suite 105, Simi Valley
Cost: Free
For more information and to RSVP, click here.

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Health & Wellness Vendors Needed! 
Do you have a health and wellness business?  Absolutely Bazaar, a mobile boutique and events service will be hosting an event on March 28th from 10 am-4 pm at the Pacific View Mall in Ventura and is looking for vendors!  

Contact Louise Vera at absolutelybazaarevents@live.com 
for more information and to reserve a table.

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Nominate WEV to be Featured by Dollar a Day!
Dollar a Day is a new fundraising platform (started by Kickstarter Chairman, Perry Chen) where over 800 monthly subscribers donate $1 to the day’s featured organization. WEV needs your help to let them know about us through their short and simple nomination form. Please take a few moments to nominate WEV as a featured organization.
Click here to fill out the form. 

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Give 2015 Axxess as a Holiday Gift!

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Demo 2 Design is on the move and seeking new warehouse space! Calling all architects, designers, event planners and photographers who would like to join a GREEN DESIGN COLLABORATIVE and share a space in Santa Barbara.

Demo 2 Design is an architectural reuse warehouse that sells reclaimed building materials to help you achieve your design dreams! 

If you are interested in finding out more about the collaborative, please email carol@demo2design.com. You can visit the warehouse in the afternoon. Please call first (805) 886-6865.  

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