June 2014, Issue 1

Dear Friend of WEV,

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese Proverb

This classic Chinese Proverb reminds us that now is the best time to take action. Depending on what stage of business you are at, whether it’s merely an idea or you have been in business for 10 years, consider a WEV program to help you further develop your business skills. We’re currently enrolling for our Fall Self-Employment Training (SET) course. Don’t miss out on the early enrollment incentives outlined below!

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Two weeks ago, WEV celebrated the women and men who graduated from the Spring 2014 Self Employment Training (SET) course. Eighty-three graduates inspired friends and family as they delivered their elevator speeches to an audience of nearly 300. The ceremony was followed by a client expo where graduates displayed their newly polished businesses for the first time. Congratulations, Spring SET 2014 graduates; we can’t wait to see your progress over the next few months.

Pictured above is one of the five graduating classes. Thanks to Spring 2014 BPI graduate Ashly Othic of “Livin’ the Dream” Photography for donating her services during graduation. Ashly is a recent BPI graduate from WEV’s Spring 2014 program. “Livin’ the Dream” photography provides a one of a kind interactive mobile studio catering to specialty parties and events. Check out all the photos captured at graduation here.

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We are so proud to honor Estela Flores of Stel Housecleaning in Ventura County as our 2014 WEV Client Business of the Year!

Estela has created 8 jobs (4 full-time and 4 part-time) through her business and has established economic stability for her family. Click here to visit the Stel Housecleaning website.

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If you or someone you know has both teaching and small business experience and wants to join WEV’s team of instructors, consider applying for our SET instructor or Spanish instructor positions open in Ventura County. The deadline to apply is June 20th!

Click here for more information.

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Are you using a selfie to promote your business? Or are you promoting yourself online without showing people who you are? In less than 30 minutes and for only $99, you can have a professional headshot taken that would normally cost upwards of $200.

When: Friday, June 27th (indoor time slots 8am-12:30pm / outdoor time slots 2-7pm)
Where: Ventura
Click here for more info & to reserve your time slot!

This event is hosted by BPI graduate and Thrive in Five member Emily Barany of Emily Barany Consulting & Steve Albiston of Steve Albiston Creative.

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The Santa Barbara Latina Leaders Network is hosting a “Latina Negotiation Boot Camp” with renowned negotiation expert, Dr. Yasmin Davidds.

This is a very unique one-day intensive training which goes beyond exploration of potential barriers that may hold Latinas back and teaches Latinas how to reframe their interactions and accurately evaluate their opportunities.

When: Saturday, June 21st, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Orfalea Downtown Center, Santa Barbara
Cost: $47 (Students $27)
Click here for more information and to RSVP

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Tell your story and you could win $25,000 for your business. Now through June 30th, 2014 eligible business owners in the U.S. can enter the Wells Fargo Works Project, a contest in which five winners will receive $25,000 plus business mentorship. Get the full contest entry details here.

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Showcase your business products and services by becoming an exhibitor — or enjoy the event as a visitor.
This free event is open to the public and features food, drinks, a major prize drawing, and fun!

When: Thursday, June 12th 4:00-7:00 pm
Where: Camarillo Public Library
For more information, click here.

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Vendors needed for this fun mobile event held in both Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. All businesses welcome! First Saturday and Sunday of the month.

Click here for more information. Or email organizer Louise Vera.

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Shark Tank, the critically acclaimed business-themed reality show, is taking applications from military vets with a product or business in need of investment for a possible special Veteran’s Day episode in November. Email SharkTankCasting@yahoo.com with “VETS CASTING” in the subject line to apply.

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On May 15th, WEV held our annual fundraising breakfast, Empowerment is Priceless, at the Crowne Plaza in Ventura. We are so grateful to the client representatives, supporters, board members and staff who helped make it an inspiring and successful event. A special thanks to the generous sponsors:

• Montecito Bank and Trust
• Rabobank
• Limoneira
• Ventura County Star
• California Lutheran University’s School of Management
• Coast General Insurance Brokers
• Boone Graphics & Printing
• Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach

All proceeds will go towards supporting WEV’s programs. We could not continue to do what we do without your generous support!

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We’re currently in search of individuals and organizations to sponsor Thrive in Five’s® July 2014 Think Big event. Think Big events bring clients together for an evening of educational presentations, collaborative activities and networking. As a sponsor you’ll receive top billing on the event agenda, recognition in WEV Got News, WEV’s Facebook page and the opportunity to briefly present to some of WEV’s most established and ambitious entrepreneurs.

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A very special thank you to United Way of Santa Barbara County for their ongoing support of WEV’s programs to support economic self-sufficiency.

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What if you didn’t have
to change your habits or do anything extra for WEV to receive donations? Well, with the Escrip program at Lazy Acres Market in Santa Barbara that’s exactly what happens! Sign up for a Lazy Acres Market Community Card by filling out this form and bringing it in the next time you shop. For the form, the Group ID number is 500044536. Then a percentage of your purchase totals will be donated back to WEV. Questions? Call Danelle Mangone, WEV Development Coordinator at (805) 456-2347 or dmangone@wevonline.org.

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In This Issue

• Client of the Month: Rebecca McKinney
  
• Plan for Success in SET Workshops
  
• WEV Got News Spanish Edition Coming Soon
  
• Congratulations to Spring SET 2014 Graduates
  
• 2014 WEV Client Business of the Year
  
• WEV is Hiring in Ventura County
  
• Help WEV Tell Our Story
  

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Resources

• Scrap the Selfie
  
• Latina Negotiation Boot Camp
• Wells Fargo Works Project
• Camarillo Business Expo
• Vendor Spots Open for Absolutely Bizarre
• Connecting Women to Power – Business Conference
• Strengthen Your Elevator Speech
• ABC’s Shark Tank Seeks Military Veterans

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• WEV Fundraising Event a Success!
  
• Sponsor Think Big Event, Fuel Our Entrepreneurs!
• Thank You United Way of Santa Barbara County
  
• Do You Shop At Lazy Acres?

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We’re always on the lookout for a new Client of the Month, Success Story or additions to the Client Achievements section of the newsletter. But don’t wait for us to find you… let us know how you’re doing now! Email news@wevonline.org.

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If you’ve got something for sale or rent – or a special deal to share with the WEV community – email news@wevonline.org

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