Women's Economic Ventures Announces

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - May 18, 2020 - PRLog -- More than 175 outstanding women entrepreneurs from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties were nominated for the 2020 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards presented by Women's Economic Ventures (WEV). WEV is proud to announce the 30 finalists who were selected by a panel of independent judges from outside the tri-county area.  Marking its 10^th anniversary, the Spirit of Entrepreneurship program honors local women in business, at all levels, while supporting future economic growth through the recognition, financial support and education of high school and college student entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.soefoundation.org

"Though social distancing is preventing us from holding an in-person SOE Awards Event this year, it is more important than ever to honor these amazing women entrepreneurs with so many businesses impacted by COVID­-19," said Kathy Odell, CEO of Women's Economic Ventures. "We are thrilled to celebrate each of the amazing finalists who made it quite difficult for our judges to select the winner."  On July 6, WEV will announce the 10 category winners.

Along with the 10 category winners, WEV will present the 2020 Rock Star: Lifetime Achievement Award to Lynne Tahmisian, President of La Arcada Investment Corporation. Beloved by her business tenants, locals and visitors alike, Tahmisian has made La Arcada a treasured Santa Barbara landmark on State Street. Tahmisian is the eighth recipient of this prestigious award given annually to a successful woman entrepreneur who has made an indelible impact on our community.

Major sponsors of the 2020 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards include the Hilton SB Beachfront Resort, Lure Digital, Naish Partners, and Southern California Edison.

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 provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. WEV serves Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.  While WEV targets its services toward women, it helps men as well. Services are provided in both English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to more than 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. WEV has made over $5 million in business loans, and helped more than 4,500 local businesses start or expand. WEV-supported businesses have created nearly 9,000 jobs. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration's Women's Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Go to wevonline.org (http://www.wevonline.org/) for more information.

To arrange interviews with Lynne Tahmisian, SOE Committee Members, past winners, or to request high-resolution photos or collateral, please contact Lysa Urban at 805.456.2356 or lurban@wevonline.org.­