One-of-a-Kind Events

Dear Friend of WEV,

As the weather cools, keep your business hot with the perfect mix of one-of-a-kind, local events and customized support!

-The WEV Staff

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WEV Connects at ZFolio Gallery

Join us for the last WEV Connects event of the year on Wednesday, November 16th from 4:30-7:00 pm at ZFolio Gallery in Solvang. Conveniently timed during Solvang’s Third Wednesday event, owners and WEV loan recipients, Zdena Jiroutova and Michael Mendizza welcome the WEV community for an evening of networking and exploring the featured Czech art glass, handmade designer jewelry and professional nature photography.

Special Addition There will be a silent auction of generously donated products and services from WEV clients in North SB County with all proceeds from the auction directly benefiting WEV’s programs.

Free to attend, RSVP encouraged but not required, bring your friends and business cards!

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FoodStuff: How to Turn Your Food Passion into Profits

Can Grandma’s secret salsa recipe be turned into a successful business? Join WEV and four local food entrepreneurs at Goodland Kitchen to learn about starting or growing a specialty food business. More info.

When: Thursday, December 8th, 6-8pm
Where: Goodland Kitchen, 231 S. Magnolia, Old Town Goleta
Details: $5 pre-paid by December 7th or $10 on December 8th at the door. Space is limited – pre-registration required

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Orientations
WEV’s free, one-hour informational sessions are the best way to learn about WEV’s Spring 2012 programs like our Self-Employment Training (SET) and Business Plan Intensive (BPI) courses. Reserve your seat in a November orientations – taking place next week!

Roundtables
Tailored group support for emerging businesses. Roundtables will begin in January and meet once a month. Four sessions are $125 – or only $100 if you’re a current SET or BPI client! More info.

Thrive in Five
Find out how Thrive in Five can provide the accountability, guidance and “tough love” you need to push your business to the next level. Contact Program Manager Lisa Champagne-Minyard at lminyard@wevonline.org
  

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WEV’s first-ever Kern County Self-Employment Training course was launched this summer. The class achieved a 100% business plan completion rate, the first time in WEV’s history! Read more.

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2nd Annual ‘Women Today’ Expo

WEV Clients on Discussion Panel

When: Friday & Saturday, November 11-12th
Where: Ventura County Fairgrounds

Women Today returns to Ventura County for its second great year. This terrific event focuses on celebrating all aspects of a woman’s life. With exhibits, trendy fashion shows, special speakers and celebrity guests, there’s something for every woman! More info.

Plus, stop by the ‘What Women Want’ stage at 12:05pm on Friday for a panel discussion between several successful female entrepreneurs, including WEV graduates Maria Durant of Dance 4 Wellness Studio and Kate Dunbar of Petite Reve Cafe!

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Save the Date for Graduation

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the accomplishments of our current Self-Employment Training (SET) clients!

When: Thursday, December 15th, 6-8pm
Where: Montecito County Club

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Money Is a Women’s Issue

Women have come a long way, but in terms of economic equity, we’re not there yet. Marsha Bailey, WEV Founder and CEO, will speak to the Santa Barbara – Goleta Valley AAUW members about how WEV works to build women’s wealth and financial security through entrepreneurship. WEV client Peggy Larned of Artemis Animal Clinic will also share her story; Peggy received WEV’s first loan in 1995 and remains in business 16 years later!

When: Tomorrow! Thursday, November 10th, 6:15-7:30pm
Where: Goleta Valley Community Center (Room 6), 5679 Hollister Avenue, Goleta
Members of the public welcome.

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How to Create a Board of Directors

Having a Board of Directors and/or a Board of Advisors can be a powerful tool for business owners; it can truly give you a competitive edge. Presenter, Trygve Duryea is a marketing expert who has been involved many business startups both as a venture capitalist and an executive. Join NAWBO-Santa Barbara to learn how to create your perfect board.

When: Wednesday, November 16th, 7:30-9:30am
Where: Fess Parker DoubleTree Resort, 633 E. Cabrillo. Details: $35 NAWBO members/$45 non-members. Reservations required by November 11. Seating is limited.

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Advertising Deals for WEV Clients through ParentClick.com

 

ParentClick.com is excited to be a Media Sponsor of Women’s Economic Ventures! ParentClick has been an online publisher for the past nine years providing centralized resources for parents within their own communities while creating affordable marketing packages so that both businesses and non profits can reach the family demographic. This online community and parenting resource has grown from a handful of parents to more than 40,000 parent members with more joining daily.

ADVERTISE & LIST YOUR BUSINESS ON PARENTCLICK.com – SPECIAL RATE FOR WEV CLIENTS

BASIC PACKAGE – $60/year
• contact information, website link, tagline
• ability to post on calendar, chatter, submit press releases, etc
• option to register for an exhibitor table at the annual ParentClick Kids Expo in March
• option to attend our annual Business Mixer in January
• WEV CLIENTS will receive [1] 180×150 NEWSLETTER AD with their BASIC Package [$100 value]

PREMIUM PACKAGE – $360/year
• all the benefits of the basic package PLUS
• increase visibility with a profile page that includes rotating images and logos
• display logo on all postings [chatter, perks, calendar, etc.]• invitations to use ParentClick tables when we host them at events throughout the year
• WEV CLIENTS will receive [2] 180×150 NEWSLETTER ADS with their PREMIUM Package [$200 value]

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The Story Exchange

WEV clients have an exciting opportunity to gain internet exposure through The Story Exchange, a forum for inspiration and encouragement with videos of women who have overcome tough odds and achieved success.

Fill out this brief survey and your story could appear on The Story Exchange. Each week one woman will be blogged about and all entries will be used to find candidates for future films.

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Try government contracting! Need to know more? Check out this helpful resource: ‘Should I pursue government contracting?‘ WEV will host two free workshops in collaboration with the Federal Technology Center (FTC). Register online or call 916.334.9388

  Marketing to Government
December 8th, 9am-12pm, WEV’s Santa Barbara office, More info.

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Unbeatable Coupon Books Now Available

Save money AND support WEV at the same time?! Let the savings begin. Get your Ventura or Santa Barbara Axxess card today through WEV. Each card costs $30 and $10 of that amount will be generously donated back to support WEV’s programs. Get yours today!

Did you know that WEV’s Small Business Loan Fund provided SB Axxess with a loan in its infancy – over 10 years ago! And now they’ve expanded to more communities – including Ventura!
  

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In This Issue

• WEV Connects at ZFolio
• FoodStuff
  
• Get the Support You Need
• Client of the Month
•  ‘Women Today’ Expo
  
• Graduation

 

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Resources

• Money Is a Women’s Issue
• How to Create a Board of Directors
• Advertising Deals with ParentClick
• The Story Exchange
• Need New Customers?

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In Our Last Issue

• Axxess, Local Discount Books
  

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We’re always on the lookout for a new Client of the Month, Success Story, Featured Artist or addition 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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Business Plan Makeover Workshop

Special Offer for WEV Graduates

Is your business plan collecting dust? Does it need a makeover? Get ready for 2012 at this Business Plan Makeover Workshop.
 
Saturday, November 12th, 9-1pm in Camarillo

In this hands-on session facilitated by Gloria Miele, Ph.D., Business Coach and WEV SET Instructor, you’ll work on and revise your business plan with up to 10 other business owners. Gloria is offering a special price of $49 (half-off the full price of $99) for the first two WEV graduates who register. More info. 

Contact Gloria directly at gmiele@optimal

developmentcoaching.com or 805.482.1625

Pre-Holiday Show

Jennifer Friedman

Come enjoy SET graduate Jennifer Friedman’s unique jewelry pieces using techniques such as vitreous enamel, granulation and chasing/repousse — all while enjoying music and a glass of wine!

When: November 17th, 6-8:30pm
Where: PhotonConcepts,
522 E. Santa Clara St. Ventura, 93001
Please: RSVP to Jennifer at 647.1383
View Jennifer’s work!

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Find Your Secret Sauce

(and Share It with the World!)

Free Webinar! If your small business brand is a little “meh” (boring) and you’re not sure how to differentiate yourself from the competition, sign up for this webinar presented by former WEV instructor and staff member, Tea Silvestre (aka The Word Chef).

Learn more and register.

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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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