About Us

Santa Cruz Works is dedicated to cultivating a robust innovation ecosystem within Santa Cruz County. Our organization provides comprehensive support to entrepreneurs  throughout their growth trajectory, from budding startups to mature enterprises. We facilitate connections between startups, businesses, industry leaders, educational institutions, investors, and the community, fostering collaborative relationships and driving innovation. Our weekly newsletter and our numerous monthly and annual events serve as platforms for tech professionals and community members to network, explore job opportunities, and enhance their skills. Our exclusive CEO Works luncheons offer CEOs invaluable insights and strategic guidance from peers and industry experts. Additionally, our complimentary clinics equip professionals with the latest industry trends, skills, and business knowledge. To nurture emerging entrepreneurs, we offer an accelerator program which provides wealth of resources and mentors designed to support the growth of startups. By joining Santa Cruz Works, you become a part of a dynamic community that is committed to the success of your business and our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The History

2007

Founded in 2007 by Doug Erickson, Santa Cruz New Tech emerged from a simple yet profound need: connection. Despite knowing hundreds of tech professionals in Silicon Valley, Doug found few local connections in his hometown of Santa Cruz. The inaugural meetup, enticing friends with free pizza, saw just 20 attendees.

2012

In 2012, Bob Cagle, Bud Colligan, and Bonnie Lipscomb established Santa Cruz Works as a comprehensive support network for the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, extending beyond the tech sector alone. Their goal was ambitious yet clear: transform Santa Cruz County into a fertile ground for businesses to start, grow, and flourish. This vision encompassed a robust ecosystem, including educational institutions focused on business and technology, support from local entities like the Santa Cruz Economic Development, co-working spaces and accelerators for entrepreneurs, networking events, established businesses offering jobs and mentorship, and venture capital to nurture new ventures.

2015

In 2015, the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) was created to expand the scope of Santa Cruz Works, extending its reach across the tri-county area of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito. This initiative aims to cultivate a strategic, cross-sector network that will shape the future of the Monterey Bay region. By adopting a holistic strategy, the focus is placed on critical sectors such as broadband accessibility, housing solutions, and plans for inclusive economic growth.

2019

April 2019 was a landmark moment as Santa Cruz New Tech merged with Santa Cruz Works, uniting under the latter's name to reinforce their collective mission. Operating as a California 501(c)(6) nonprofit mutual benefit corporation, Santa Cruz Works acts as the pivotal community nexus, steered by a diverse board that encapsulates the local economy's spectrum—from tech startups and government to academia and the investment community. Our goal is to nurture a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the local area, enhancing collaboration, spreading knowledge, and igniting innovation. We strive to synergize the efforts of businesses, educational entities, investors, and the wider community to foster a flourishing local environment.

And yes, our love for pizza remains unabated.