Women’s Economic Ventures Helps Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity

Millar knew he did not want to work for the competition, so start his own business he did. Through years of experience in the industry, he saw that he could implement improvements within his own organization that would benefit both customers and the business. Millar launched his business in January 2007, first calling it Maverick Window Sales.

When it came time to create a brand and presence in the community, he approached Women’s Economic Venture’s (WEV’s) Small Business Loan Fund for the capital needed. And as the company evolved, so did the name. Today Millar’s company is known as MAVERICK Window & Door, Inc. and year over year, has demonstrated impressive growth—over 25% in 2009, 50% in 2010 and is slated to grow another 70%-80% in 2011.

Millar is appreciative of WEV’s support in his business plan and business. He continues to be involved with WEV through participation in the organization’s Thrive in Five program, which provides long-term, individualized training, consulting and coaching for entrepreneurs who have already written a business plan and launched their business, and seek assistance stabilizing or growing their companies. He also regularly participates as a guest speaker during WEV’s Self-Employment Training (SET) course to share his businesses’ unique story and to answer questions other budding entrepreneurs may have.

MAVERICK Window & Door, Inc. continues to benefit from Damon’s instincts for capitalizing on opportunities, such as adjusting his lease to increase workspace, or adding value by offering installation of the products. A second showroom is slated for early September in Santa Ynez Valley.

For more information on WEV’s programs, including the Self-Employment Training (SET) course or Thrive in Five, which both start in September, please visit WEV’s website www.wevonline.org or call (805) 965-6073.

WEV is currently holding free, one-hour orientations for their Self-Employment Training (SET) and other fall courses. Upcoming orientations in Santa Barbara County include:

· Tuesday, August 23rd, from 6-7 pm, Santa Barbara

· Thursday, August 25th, from 12-1pm, Santa Barbara

· Thursday, August 25th, from 12-1pm, Buellton

Participants considering the courses are required to attend a free one-hour orientation workshop. These orientations offer a complete overview of the SET course as well as WEV’s continuum of programs and services for entrepreneurs at every level.

Those interested can register for an orientation at http://www.wevonline.org/set-orientations or call 805-965-6073.

More information about Thrive in Five at http://www.wevonline.org/thrive-in-five.

Self-Employment Training and Thrive in Five are part of the continuum of programs WEV offers to help women (and men) start-up, launch, grow, and sustain their own business, including: business consulting, advanced business training, and small business start-up and expansion loans. WEV is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. For more information please call 805-965-6073 or visit www.wevonline.org.