May 2012, Issue 2

Business Ready Summer Workshops

Do you want to be a business owner? Not sure if you have what it takes? Or what sort of business to start? It’s time to stop wondering and take action. WEV’s Business Ready workshop can get you started on your path. The workshop only happens twice a year and starts next month! Sign up now! (Please share with the potential entrepreneurs in your life.)

WEV Roundtables Are Back!

Preparing to launch your business? Get the critical support you need with a community of entrepreneurs in Roundtables.

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

Ventura Roundtable: ENROLLING NOW

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

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

For more information about Roundtables, click here.

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), and Business Ready courses and more!

Small Business, BIG Dreams!

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Los Angeles District Office has chosen Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) to receive its 2012 Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award!

On Wednesday, June 13 at the Millenium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, WEV’s Women’s Business Center (which provides its flagship Self-Employment Training course twice a year across five cities), will be honored along with 10 other award winners at the 2012 Small Business Awards.

WEV’s Board Chair Marni Brook and SET Instructor Lisa Champagne-Minyard will accept the award on WEV’s behalf. For more information and to purchase tickets to the awards ceremony, click here

Ventura County Star Readers Choose WEV Clients

Four spectacular WEV clients  — from fitness to wine and beyond — were selected in this year’s Readers’ Choice awards:

Wine Bar: Paradise Pantry– West county favorite

Boot Camp: Raw Workouts– West county winner

Housecleaning Service: Stel Housecleaning– West county favorite

Lingerie Store: Kama Sutra Closet– West county favorite

Congratulations to each one!

It’s Almost Summer–Client Surveys Begin Soon!

Beginning in June, we will be giving away prizes to participants in 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.

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.

Having a home office could help you next time tax season rolls around. To find out more, read Suzanne’s tip in the Expert’s Corner below!

Celebrate National Small Business Week 

May 20-26 is National Small Business week, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) is celebrating by hosting a conference with hundreds of entrepreneurs in Washington, DC.

Couldn’t make the event? Get inspired to grow your business by watching webcasts like “How Small Businesses Can Win Big with Big Businesses,” 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.

EXPERT’S CORNER

From Suzanne Jakkola, owner of Owens & Jakkola Tax Professionals, Inc.:

“Whether you are self-employed or an employee, if you use a portion of your home exclusively and regularly for business purposes, you may be able to take a home office deduction.” 

Visit Owens & Jakkola Tax Professionals, Inc for more tax tips!

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 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!

• 2012 Spring SET Graduation
• Business Ready
• Roundtables
• Orientations
• WEV: Recipient of 2012 WBC of Excellence Award
• VC Star Readers Choose WEV Clients
• Summer Surveys Begin
• New Thrive in 5 Specialist

Resources

• Celebrate National Small Business Week
• Social and Environmental Business Conference
• Expert’s Corner

• WEV Client of the Month

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