WEV Receives $40,000 on International Women’s Day from Koolaburra by UGG

Southern California-based lifestyle brand steps up support for female entrepreneurs.

Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, CA – Koolaburra by UGG, in partnership with Ashley Tisdale and Frenshe, celebrated International Women’s Day with a $40,000 philanthropic donation to Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV). “Koolaburra by UGG is proud to be a supporter of Women’s Economic Ventures this International Women’s Day,” said Lorie Pointer, GM of Koolaburra by UGG at Deckers Brands. “Community involvement is inherent to the Deckers Brands DNA and WEV’s work creates community among female entrepreneurs. We’re honored to be able to support their mission of providing a network for women to realize their dreams.”

Los Angeles, March 8, 2022 Ashley Tisdale and Frenshe, in partnership with Koolabura by UGG, make $40,000 philanthropic donation to WEV, in celebration of International Women’s Day. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images)

The WEV community connects women entrepreneurs from multiple business categories to share insights and tips with each other, including how they are handling business challenges, adapting to new hybrid working conditions, and achieving work-life balance. WEV believes that economic empowerment is the foundation that allows women to achieve their potential in all aspects of life – career, family, and community.

Throughout the pandemic, WEV met the rising demand for business education, mentoring and advisory services, community meetup events as well as entrepreneurial funding via online offerings and webinars. Looking ahead to recovery mode, WEV is increasing marketing and eCommerce education, expanding financial literacy/business finance resources, and increasing Spanish language offerings to support the rapidly growing number of Latina entrepreneurs.

WEV CEO Kathy Odell shared that “Women’s Economic Ventures is incredibly grateful to receive this generous donation from Koolaburra by UGG and Frenshe. The timing could not be better. More than 2.5 million women entrepreneurs started businesses in 2021 – more than double the rate of previous years. These entrepreneurs are committed to a new way of doing business that celebrates today’s multi-dimensional woman business owner. WEV is thankful to be able to immediately deploy this gift to deliver services that support the wave of emerging women entrepreneurs.” ####

About Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)
Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through 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 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).

About Koolaburra by UGG®
Koolaburra by UGG® is a Southern California-based lifestyle brand designed with the modern family in mind. Rooted in quality, comfort, and craftsmanship, Koolaburra delivers effortless lifestyle essentials for the whole family. The brand’s chic lifestyle staples are crafted with a focus on value and the ultimate attention to detail. To explore the world of Koolaburra by UGG please visit Koolaburra.com and follow on Instagram @koolaburra.