May 2012, Issue 1

We’ve got a whole lot of matter on this May afternoon!  Here in the office, we’re buzzing with excitement because in just a few short weeks, we’ll be celebrating with the graduates of this Spring’s session of SET and kicking-off with participants of this summer’s Roundtables. We’ve already had several events this month, and we’re ready for more!  

-The WEV Staff

WEV Connects: Main Street Ventura

On Thursday, May 3rd,  nearly 100 of WEV’s new and old friends attended WEV Connects at Red Brick Gallery in Ventura. Our community of business owners, donors, volunteers and staff explored the art gallery while networking with several other WEV client businesses from Main Street Ventura including: 

• Paradise Pantry, co-owners Tina Lebar and Kelly Briglio
• The Refill Shoppe, owner Michelle Stevens
• Kama Sutra Closet, owner Roylin Downs
• Little Birdy Lane, owner Lupe Lane
• Harper Blue, co-owner Debbie Beck

A percentage of the proceeds from art purchases at Red Brick during the event went to supporting WEV’s programs.

WEV Client of the Month

Donna Gilmartin opened Santa Barbara Hearing Care, Inc. with the right equipment and expertise. The only thing missing was a marketing plan to attract more clients! So she turned to WEV. Read more

WEV Roundtables Are Back!

Santa Barbara’s group filled, and we expect Ventura’s group to do the same. Act fast and sign up before the 18th to get a discount if you’re a current SET/BPI client!

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea founder, Zhena Muzyka, will be sharing with Santa Barbara’s first session and Ventura’s second session. Join in the conversation, “Stepping Forward with Zhena,” which is all about motivating yourself to launch and grow your business.
 

Santa Barbara Roundtable Schedule: FULL
Please email kdowling@wevonline.org to be added to the waiting list.

Sessions 2-4 include expert guest speakers that will address the topics of sales, public relations and market research.

Ventura Roundtable Schedule: ENROLLING NOW

The four sessions will take place on May 30th, June 27th, July 25th, and August 29th from 6-9pm

Topics will include Market Research, Public Relations and Advertising, Quickbooks, and more!

Click here for more info on Roundtables in Santa Barbara and Ventura!

Upcoming Offerings: Business Ready Workshops

Business Ready is just around the corner!  If you’re considering entrepreneurship for the first time, this summer workshop will help you generate a business idea or choose between several business ideas, as well as assist you in self-assessments to see if you have what it takes to be a business owner. The first session starts Monday, June 11th. Be ready for business, and sign up now! 

Welcome to Thrive in 5’s New Specialist

Thrive in 5 is happy to introduce its new Business Development Specialist, Mike Weaver!

Mike has had an extensive career in corporate America, and now consults clients using his skills in strategic planning, leadership development, budget development, sustainability, and innovation– to name a few.

As a Business Development Specialist (BDS), Mike offers one-on-one support for Thrive in Five Clients during their initial assessments, monthly check-ins, and quarterly mentoring meetings. 

For more information on how Thrive in 5 can take your business to the next level, contact Program Manager, Lisa Champagne-Minyard at lminyard@wevonline.org or 805.667.8004.

It’s Almost Summer-Client Surveys Begin Soon!

Beginning in June, WEV will be conducting our annual client outcomes surveys in which we interview a randomly-selected group of past clients about their experiences and outcomes since participating in the program.

All survey participants will be entered into a drawing for one of several wonderful donated prizes by local businesses like Silvergreens, Trader Joe’s, The Boat House Restaurant, C’est Cheese, Lynda.com, Zhena’s Gypsy Tea, Fresco Café, Z Folio Gallery, and many more!

This year we’ll be surveying clients we served during 2010. As a client, participating in the survey is the easiest way to give back to WEV. Surveys normally take only 15-20 minutes of your time, and your feedback helps us improve our existing programs, develop new programs, and inform the public (including potential funders) about the impact we’re making in the community.

Selected clients will be notified by the end of May via postcard and/or email, and will be contacted by a WEV staff member in early June.

Paint Ventura

WEV attended Downtown Ventura’s Paint Ventura event on April 28th. Special thanks to current SET student, Penny Atkinson, for displaying her beautiful button jewelry at the WEV booth. We also enjoyed hanging out with SET graduate Sara Smelt of Felt Evolution, whose booth was next door. And kudos to Red Brick Gallery for organizing an incredible event!

Upcoming Offerings: Orientations

If you’re interested in starting or growing your business, then attending an Orientation is your first step! We’ve already held packed orientations this Spring and will continue to do so every month. To locate an orientation in your area, click here.

At your orientation, you’ll learn about WEV’s Self-Employment Training (SET), Business Plan Intensive (BPI) course, and Business Ready course and more!

Don’t forget to check out our newest section ‘Expert’s Corner,’ where we’ll share a quick tip in every newsletter.

Today’s tip comes from one of our Marketing expert volunteers, Michelle Rodriguez, owner of Loli Studios Marketing & Design.

Michelle has a remedy for one of entrepreneurs’ biggest mistakes. To get her guidance, find the Expert’s Corner below!

Show Case Your Business with a Video

How has WEV impacted you as a business owner?

In celebration of National Small Business Week 2012, the U.S. Small Business Administration is looking for creative, 2-minute videos that show how small businesses have been assisted by WEV’s counseling, training, or loans.

The video contest will showcase amazing small businesses across the country that are creating jobs, are pillars in their communities, and are creating the next big products that will help keep America competitive.

All videos must be submitted by May 11, 2012. Accept the challenge or follow the challengers here!

Emerging Business Models for Social and Environment Responsibility 

Join business and community development leaders– like WEV, Patagonia, and Montecito Bank & Trust– in a half-day conference hosted by CAUSE to learn about and share groundbreaking business ventures.

When: May 31st, 7:30am-12pm

Where:Camarillo

Make reservations here.

Basic Payroll Tax Seminar

If you need help with your business’s payroll system– from clarifying the requirements to establishing electronic filing– then be sure to attend the Federal/State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar hosted by California’s Employment Development Department. 

When: May 16th,  9am-3pm

Where:Ventura EDD Tax Office

There is no charge for this seminar. Be sure to make reservations here.

EXPERT’S CORNER

From Michelle Rodriguez, owner of Loli Studios Marketing & Design: “Don’t think of marketing as a seasonal sport.”

One of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make is only investing in marketing when their business is slow. Marketing should always be on your mind and a daily part of your business. 

Do you have a piece of advice, handy tip or pearl of wisdom to share that will help establish you as an expert in your field? Write to news@wevonline.org and spread the wealth of knowledge within the WEV community of small business owners.

• WEV Connects
• WEV Client of the Month
• Roundtables
• Business Ready
• SET Graduation
• New Thrive in 5 Specialist
• Summer Surveys Begin
• Paint Ventura
• Orientations

Resources

• Showcase your Business with a Video
• Basic Payroll Tax Seminar
• Social and Environmental Business Conference
• Expert’s Corner

We’re always on the lookout for a new Client of the Month, Success Story, Featured Artist 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

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