Announcing Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)’s Ventura County Forgivable Business Loan & Consulting Program Participants

Ventura, CA —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.

Pictured from top left: Amy Genson of Genson Geriatrics Management, Angel Martinez Rodriguez of Antojitos Mexicanos El Hidalguense, Cici Bo of Harmony Family Yoga, Deirdre Weaver & Nancy Grass of Laurel Lea Creative, Danielle Beck of Epicurean Olive Oils. Row 2: Jasmin Gallegos & German Villegas of Grout Geek, Jeanne Sikoff of Zander’s Game House, Jennifer Smith of Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections, Katie Arak of DJ Lady Kate, Lynnette Coverly of Coverly Professional Services. Row 3: Michelene Craft Maynor of Hand Works, Michelle Stevens of The Refill Shoppe, Martha Teissier of Martha Teissier-Lule, Miguel Alfaro of MGA NEXUS, Rachel Marriott of Simi Valley Birth Center. Row 4: Rebecca So of Sway Company, Seana-Marie Sesma of Your PR Girls, Jara Brewer & Kate Roberts of SoCalZones LLC, Traci Adams of The Dream Painter Wall Murals, Wendy Gillett of Lake Casitas Rowing Association

Congratulations to the selected businesses:

1. The Refill Shoppe
2. Sway Company
3. Coverly Professional Services
4. Your PR Girls
5. Zander’s Game House
6. Epicurean Olive Oils
7. The Dream Painter Wall Murals
8. Harmony Family Yoga
9. Hand Works
10. MGA NEXUS
11. Genson Geriatrics Management
12. Antojitos Mexicanos El Hidalguense
13. SoCalZones LLC
14. Simi Valley Birth Center
15. Martha Teissier-Lule
16. Ex Voto Chocolates and Confections
17. Laurel Lea Creative
18. DJ Lady Kate
19. Grout Geek
20. 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.