About Us

Honoring women entrepreneurs and their impact on the economic development of our communities.

Women's Economic Ventures (WEV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and minorities in Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties. The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards (SOE) are presented by WEV to recognize and highlight the contributions of outstanding women business owners from the two counties WEV services.

Applying for awards to claim and highlight successes is good business practice for every entrepreneur, but SOE finalists also benefit by participating in the finalists' meetup featuring Public Speaking Coach Lisa Braithwaite and being featured as a finalist at the SOE event. and in media.

SOE winners will also receive an SOE keepsake award & certificates of achievement, plus 2 hours with a WEV Business Advisor, and 10 sessions of Leadership Coaching.