Women's Economic Ventures

10/13/2026

Economic abuse isn’t always easy to recognize. 💜

Join us for a shame-free, judgment-free conversation about what economic abuse can look like, how to spot patterns of financial control, and what you can do if you experience or witness it.

🗓 Wednesday, October 21
🕠 5:30 PM Pacific
💻 Free webinar on Zoom

You’ll hear from community experts and leave with practical, safety-first tools and trusted resources for yourself or someone you care about.

Learn the signs. Know your options. Share the resources.

Special thanks to our panelists:
Carolyn McMahon, Fem Finance
Angel Fulgencio, Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)
Mari Zaragoza, Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County
Laura Morales, Coalition for Family Harmony

🔗 Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hB4G0EFaTEmaRe-Ujkk6RA

10/11/2026

Only 2% of U.S. charitable giving goes to women’s and girls’ organizations. 💔

At WEV, we feel this every year, and especially now as we continue to face funding cuts. That’s why we’re so deeply grateful to the individual donors and funders who understand what’s at stake. This year, our 400 clients and their families thank you.

But we need to keep at it. Gloria Steinem taught us that a movement has to move: we can’t simply wish for more equity, we have to actively do something about it. That’s the ground WEV stands on every day as we help women across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties start and grow businesses, access capital, and build financial independence.

This Give to Women and Girls Day, take action with us. Donate today and help a woman realize her dreams and succeed on her own terms.

💙 Donate today: https://www.wevonline.org/donate/

10/06/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 💛

We're proud to celebrate our WEV community and the cultures, traditions, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino community throughout the Central Coast.

Thank you to the entrepreneurs whose hard work and creativity make our community stronger every day. 🌺

09/03/2026

We are deeply grateful for the life and legacy of Gloria Steinem, whose courage and commitment to women’s equality helped pave the way for generations of women to speak up, take action, and create change.

Her work reminds us that our voices matter, progress takes persistence, and meaningful change happens when we lift one another up.

WEV honors her legacy by continuing to invest in women, create opportunities, and work toward a future where equality and economic empowerment are within reach for all. 💙

09/01/2026

💻✨ Your business belongs online!

We’re excited to welcome small business owners to Get Your Small Business Online—a FREE 9-week class designed to help you build your online presence, reach more customers, and feel more confident using digital marketing tools.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready to strengthen what you already have, we’re here to help you take the next step.

📅 Starts September 9
🗓️ Wednesdays | 6–8 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
💙 FREE to participate
 
✨ No coding or tech experience required!
✨ Space is limited
 
Complete an interest form—link in bio! 🔗
 

08/27/2026

Fall into financial empowerment. 💛

Whether you're just starting out or ready to level up, our FREE Financial Empowerment Classes are here for you in English & Spanish, in-person, online or at your own pace.

💰 Build a budget. Reduce debt. Shift your money mindset. Create a plan for your financial future. All free. Open to everyone no matter where you live.

Find the format that works for you 👇🏼

📍 Santa Maria | Spanish | Sat 10am–1pm | Sept 19
💻 Zoom | Spanish | Mon 6–7:30pm | Sept 21 & 28
💻 Zoom | English | Mon 6–7:30pm | Oct 5 & 12
📍 Camarillo | English | Sat 10am–1pm | Nov 7
📍 Camarillo | Spanish | Sat 10am–1pm | Nov 14
🖥️ Self-paced | 3 hour class | Available online anytime

Save your seat today and register with the link in bio.



08/24/2026

Credit isn't just about borrowing money. It's your ticket to a business loan, an apartment, a safety net, and your financial future. Access to credit is access to opportunity.

Our free six-week Credit Builder class starts September 16! Every Wednesday from 6-8pm via Zoom, you'll learn how credit works, what shapes your score, and how to read your credit report, and you'll leave with a personalized action plan built around your goals. The class also includes two hours of one-on-one financial coaching to help you put that plan into motion.

The early results say it all: every participant with follow-up data improved or established their credit within a year, with a median gain of 25 points. Many reached a score of 680 or higher, a key milestone for qualifying for better rates and more affordable financial products.

Whether you're working toward homeownership, a loan, or just want more confidence in your financial life, this class meets you where you are.

Open to all California residents:
📅 Wednesdays, Sept 16 – Oct 21
💻 6-8pm via Zoom with instructor Cally Ingebritson

Register today and start building the credit you deserve!

Sign up with the link below:
https://www.wevonline.org/interest-form/?entry=%7B%22ProgramArea%22:%22Classes%22%2C%22ClassOfInterest%22:%22Credit+Builder%22%7D

Build or repair your credit in 6 weeks. Free course with expert support. Offered in English and Spanish.

08/24/2026

As summer winds down, we're already looking ahead to a favorite WEV gathering: Strong Women, Strong 'ICED' Coffee!

In uncertain times, one thing remains true: WEV women mean business. Whether you're growing a new venture, navigating challenges, or celebrating wins, there's real value in coming together with fellow entrepreneurs who understand the journey.

Join us for Strong Women, Strong Coffee, a WEV community gathering designed to connect local women business owners, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the power of community.

📅 Thursday, September 24�🕔 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM�📍 The Hive – Autonomous Innovation Center, Camarillo

Enjoy cold refreshments, meaningful conversations, and the chance to grow your network with inspiring business owners from across Ventura County.

This event is free to attend thanks to the generosity of Lynne Tahmisian and La Arcada, whose sponsorship makes this gathering possible.

Space is limited, so please RSVP to reserve your spot! Register today👇🏼
https://www.punchbowl.com/parties/cef8a4d4e46ece305bff

We look forward to connecting, sharing, and supporting one another as we keep building strong businesses and thriving communities.

Questions? Contact Erin Samaniego at [email protected].

We can't wait to see you there!

08/19/2026

Attention all business owners!  Do you want more people to find you online? Get Your Small Business Online is back this fall with a free 9-week course that helps you build real, practical marketing skills, from your first website to a strategy that actually brings in clients.

Between your website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and online listings, there are so many ways to show up online that it's easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to put your energy first. This course breaks down what each one actually does and how to tell if it's worth your time, so you're not guessing anymore.

Two ways to join this fall:
💻 English via Zoom with Sharon Zimmerman | Sept 9 – Nov 4 | Wednesdays, 6-8pm
📍 Spanish Hybrid (Santa Maria + Zoom) with Sergio Zepeda | Oct 12 – Dec 7 | Mondays, 6-8pm

By the end, you'll walk away with a digital marketing plan built around your business, tools to build or improve your website, and real strategies for social media, email marketing and SEO, plus the chance to work 1:1 with an advisor to help you put it all into action.

Whether you're starting from scratch or just feel overwhelmed by it all, this course meets you where you are.

Spots fill up fast, sign up today! Link in bio.

08/14/2026

Meet Itzel Tena! 💜 Welcome to the WEV team!

We’re excited to welcome Itzel Tena, our new Development & Volunteer Coordinator, to the WEV team!

Itzel’s relationship with WEV actually began during her time at CSU Channel Islands, where she completed her Spanish capstone service hours with WEV. With a background in Business Management, Spanish, and Global Studies, she brings a wonderful combination of skills, experience, and a passion for community empowerment.

In her new role, Itzel will support WEV’s development efforts while strengthening our relationships with the incredible volunteers who help make our work possible. She’s especially looking forward to building a more connected volunteer community and expanding access to financial empowerment resources.

We’re so happy to have you on board as a full-time WEVie, Itzel! 

Welcome to the team! 🎉