Women's Economic Ventures

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! 🎉

08/13/2026

Monie had been running her photography business on word of mouth for years, doing it all herself and figuring things out as she went.

Since joining WEV's THRIVE Business Consulting program, she's built out real systems for her business, from how she manages client communication to how she plans for growth. She still meets with her advisor Michelle a couple times a month, not because she's stuck, but because that steady rhythm is what's helping her stay organized and keep growing.

That's the heart of Thrive: WEV tailors each consulting relationship to your specific goals and challenges, so the support you get is built around your business, not a one size fits all program. For Monie, that meant marketing and business systems. For someone else, it might mean financial planning, building out a team, or finally getting a handle on time management.

Whatever you're working through, from growth strategy to leadership to expanding into new products or locations, your Thrive advisor tailors the coaching to meet you there.

If you've been in business a year or more and you're ready for real structure and accountability, we'd love to talk with you!

📍 Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties
🔗 Fill out our interest form (link below) to find out if Thrive is the right fit for you

https://www.wevonline.org/programs/thrive/

08/04/2026

Do you have a childcare business in Santa Barbara County and want to take it to the next level? Business of Care is a free WEV program designed for providers looking to grow their licensed in-home childcare business.

Over 8 weeks, you'll gain practical tools to strengthen your business including finances, marketing, business planning, and goal-setting. You'll also connect with other childcare providers, share experiences, and access resources to help you grow.

Participants who successfully complete the program will have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 stipend to invest in growing and strengthening their business.

Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your business! Sign up by filling out an interest form today, link below.

https://www.wevonline.org/classes-resources/business-of-care/

📍 Spanish | 8/25 | 8 weeks | Tue 6-8pm | Hybrid: Santa Barbara + Zoom
📍 English | 9/3 | 8 weeks | Th 6-8pm | Hybrid: Santa Barbara + Zoom

07/31/2026

Sneak peek: Berenize Ayala, our Bilingual Programs Officer, stopped by Radio Lazer today to chat about how WEV supports business owners across our community. Loved catching this behind-the-scenes moment 🎙️

And speaking of supporting business owners, our Fall classes are almost here! The Business of Care and Emprendimiento will also open soon and both start on August 25th.

Check out our 'Events Page' below for all of our upcoming courses!

www.wevonline.org/events/

07/30/2026

New season, new goals! Starting August 25th, we're kicking off a full lineup of classes to help you build credit, grow your business and turn your idea into something real, in English and Spanish.

From Credit Builder to Get Your Small Business Online to Smart Entrepreneurial Training, there's a class for wherever you're starting from. Spots are filling up! Head to our 'Events page' to see dates, locations, and how to register- link below 🔗

www.wevonline.org/events/

You don't need to have it all figured out to start. Just a first step and we'll help you with the rest!

07/24/2026

Meet Jessica White, founder of The Preparista Jessica White here in Santa Barbara ✨

Jessica helps people build calmer, more organized homes through practical systems and preparedness. Through WEV's SET program, she found something entrepreneurship doesn't always come with: community, strategy, and the confidence to run her business like a business owner.

Home organizing is just one of the many kinds of businesses we get to support. Whatever yours looks like, there's a place for you at WEV.

Our next Smart Entrepreneurial Training (SET) course starts August 25th, running 14 weeks online with three in-person classes in Camarillo. Spots are limited, so find the link in the webpage below to fill out your interest form today! 🔗

https://www.wevonline.org/classes-resources/set/

07/23/2026

Last night was all about celebrating the women who keep our business community moving forward!

WEV joined NAWBO Santa Barbara at Crosshatch Wines to welcome the incoming board, and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead.

Congratulations to Annika Jensen, stepping into the role of Board President, and to the leaders standing beside her: Claudia Rucker Claudia Cordova Rucker as President-Elect, Shannon Seaver Shannon Seaver as Advocacy Chair, and Nicole Wald Nicole Wald as Board Member at Large. Each of you brings something different to the table, and that mix is exactly what makes this community stronger.

WEV looks forward to another year of collaboration in support of Santa Barbara's women-owned businesses. Here's to the partnerships still to come!

And a huge thank you to CrossHatch Wines for hosting us and keeping the wine and good vibes flowing.