Women’s Economic Ventures Announces the 2020 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Winners

(July 6, 2020)

Women’s Economic Ventures Announces the 2020 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award Winners

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is celebrating the 10^th anniversary of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship awards by announcing this year’s winners online at soefoundation.org. The winners in 10 categories were selected from 30 finalists by a panel of independent judges from outside the tri-county area.

“It is important that we honor these amazing women for the remarkable businesses they have built and the impact they have on our communities,” said Kathy Odell, CEO of WEV. “Despite not being able to hold our annual awards dinner in person because of COVID-19, we are celebrating these women business leaders and acknowledging the various industries in which they have achieved success.”

In addition to the 10 category winners, the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards has also recognized Lynne Tahmisian, President of La Arcada Investment Corporation as the 2020 Rock Star: Life Achievement Award recipient. This prestigious award is presented annually to an individual who has made an indelible impact on our community and who serves as a role model for women. The 10 category winners and Tahmisian will be celebrated at a virtual event on Tuesday, July 21 from 4 – 5:30 pm. Community members can register to participate in this free virtual event.

WEV is thrilled to celebrate these outstanding entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 crisis when women owned businesses have been hit especially hard by shelter in place other COVID-19 related restrictions.

Major sponsors of the 2020 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards include Lure Digital, Naish Partners, and Southern California Edison.

Winners by Category:
Arts & Entertainment:  Erika Martin del Campo, ME Sabor Dance Studio
Green & Social Entrepreneur:  Michelle Stevens, The Refill Shoppe
Health & Wellness:  Karen Atlas, Atlas Rehabilitation for Canines
Hospitality & Tourism:  Charlotte Andersen, The Andersen’s Danish Bakery & Restaurant
Media & Communications: Denise Bean-White, Consortium Media
Nonprofit: Victoria Strong, Gwendolyn Strong Foundation
Professional Services: Melissa Sayer, Matilija Law
Retail: Roxanne Barbieri, Roxanne’s, A Wish and A Dream
Science & Technology: Jenna Berg, JobAps
Wholesale, Manufacturing & Online Retail: Kelley D’Angelo, Lark Ellen Farm

About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. WEV serves Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.  While WEV targets its services toward women, it helps men as well. Services are provided in both English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to more than 17,500 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made over $5 million in business loans, and helped more than 4,500 local businesses start or expand. WEV-supported businesses have created nearly 9,000 jobs. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Go to wevonline.org for more information.