In Brief
09/24/2009
WEV introduces business writing course
A nonprofit aimed at helping women succeed in the worlds of business and finance is launching a 6-week intensive business plan writing course.
The “Business Plan Intensive” is being offered by WEV, Women’s Economic Ventures, for six consecutive Saturdays beginning Oct. 3, at the group’s Ventura County offices in Oxnard.
The course, which includes emphasis on financial intelligence, integrated marketing techniques, and preparing a viability study, is geared toward both women and men, according to a WEV announcement. People who are currently in business are encouraged to enroll.
Participants in the course will also be made eligible to enter the group’s Small Business Loan Fund pipeline.
WEV also received a gift of a $7,500 operating grant from Comerica Bank to support its Self Employment Training program in Ventura County.
Those interested in taking the course can contact instructor Tea Silvestre at tsilvestre@socialgoodconsulting.com, calling 965-6073, or visiting wevonline.org.
— Paul Sisolak
Congresswoman votes to aid the unemployed
Local Congresswoman Lois Capps voted on Tuesday to pass legislation that would help jump start the local economy and provide immediate assistance to nearly 70,000 workers in California whose unemployment benefits would run out by the end of September and more than 150,000 workers whose benefits would run out by the end of the year.
The Unemployment Compensation Act of 2009 (H.R. 3548) will provide direct, effective stimulus to the local economy, which The Congressional Budget Office has stated unemployment benefits as one of the most cost-effective forms of economic stimulus, according to a press release. Every dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates $1.63 in new demand, said Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi.
“There is no question that this legislation is needed,” Capps said. “Yes, our economy is beginning to recover. But millions are still out of work and struggling to stay afloat.”
The legislation will help families in at least 27 states, including California, with the highest unemployment rates.
Capps urges her colleagues to vote yes for H.R. 3548.
— Michael Sullivan
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