Edible Santa Barbara loves local small businesses, especially since we happen to be one, too. So, we are also big fans of WEV - Women's Economic Ventures, a local nonprofit that provides training, consulting, coaching and loans to small businesses in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. And, despite the name, it's not just for women. Although they target women because of the unique challenges they face, WEV helps men, too.

Now, in addition to their successful Business Plan classes and training, they are offering a new program called “Thrive in Five™ — Empowering Small Businesses to Grow and Thrive.” This program was created for entrepreneurs that have a solid, up-to-date business plan but need additional expert assistance with stabilizing and growing their companies.

Thrive in Five™ provides long-term, individualized training, consulting and coaching and requires a 12-month minimum commitment (up to 5 years). A current Thrive in Five participant said "WEV's Thrive in 5 program has helped to move me forward by leaps and bounds over where I would have gone by myself!" Enrollment is limited and the next session starts up soon. If you're a business that is looking to grow to the next level, this could be the perfect way to help make it happen.

To join this program or to just find out more about it, contact Lisa Minyard by September 30th at lminyard@wevonline.org. WEVonline.com