_An Edhat Reader
By Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Local small businesses to receive forgivable business loans and no-cost individual training.
WEV and the County of Ventura proudly announce the participants in the 2023/4 Forgivable Business Loan & Consulting Program. Twenty outstanding businesses were selected from over 250 applications to receive forgivable business loans and individualized business coaching. This unique initiative underscores the joint commitment of WEV and the County of Ventura to local economic development. The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors provided funding for the program as part of its effort to support long-term economic vitality for small businesses.
“The County of Ventura is proud to continue to support WEV and our community through economic development programs such as this,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, County Executive Officer. “Investments in our small businesses and entrepreneurs is an investment in the overall economic vitality of our region. When our businesses thrive, our community thrives.”
The loan becomes forgivable when the business owner completes an established number of training and mentorship hours provided by WEV. This ensures that the business has the support, network, and training needed to position it for success.
Congratulations to the selected businesses:
- The Refill Shoppe
- Sway Company
- Coverly Professional Services
- Your PR Girls
- Zander’s Game House
- Epicurean Olive Oils
- The Dream Painter Wall Murals
- Harmony Family Yoga
- Hand Works
- MGA NEXUS
- Genson Geriatrics Management
- Antojitos Mexicanos El Hidalguense
- SoCalZones LLC
- Simi Valley Birth Center
- Martha Teissier-Lule
- Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections
- Laurel Lea Creative
- DJ Lady Kate
- Grout Geek
- Lake Casitas Rowing Association
These entrepreneurs will not only benefit from forgivable business loans but will also receive tailored business coaching to navigate challenges and foster revenue growth. WEV extends deep gratitude to the County of Ventura for their crucial partnership in empowering the local business community.
About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), www.wevonline.org
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women. WEV is a business resource network for anyone looking to start a business, grow a local business, or improve their business skills. WEV provides a full range of small business support – including classes, consulting, and funding – as well as financial literacy programs in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. While WEV’s focus is on women, it welcomes people of all gender identities into the WEV community. Business courses, programs and loans are provided in both English and Spanish.
Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and small business advisory services to more than 28,000 people throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made more than $6.9 million in small business loans and helped nearly 5,300 local businesses start or expand, generating an estimated $873 million in annual sales and creating over 12,400 local jobs. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center and Microlender, as well as a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
