Experience the pulse of Santa Cruz County's vibrant entrepreneurial scene at the highly anticipated Annual Small Business Summit on Friday, April 28th, 2023. Presented by the Santa Cruz County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with Event Santa Cruz, this exhilarating day-long conference unites 200 local small business owners with the region's most accomplished business professionals, innovative entrepreneurs, and industry trailblazers. This year's summit featuring two inspirational keynote speakers and 20 captivating educational sessions, equips attendees with invaluable tools and resources, while nurturing networking opportunities among driven, like-minded individuals. Happening from 9 am to 4 pm, the summit's central hub is the Museum of Art and History (MAH), with breakout sessions hosted across multiple locations in the bustling downtown Santa Cruz.

The Santa Cruz SBDC serves as an indispensable resource for small businesses, offering expert guidance and unwavering support to empower growth and achievement across Santa Cruz County. In line with this mission, the 2023 Small Business Summit will feature an exceptional lineup of speakers representing iconic local businesses, such as Cat and Cloud, PitchHub, Yoso Wellness Spa, and Rootstock Collective, alongside esteemed business advisors and industry leaders. These experts will impart their wisdom and expertise, enabling small business owners to confidently navigate the dynamic marketplace, amplify their exposure, and ultimately soar to new heights.

Engaging interactive sessions, designed to deliver actionable insights and strategies, span a broad spectrum of topics, from financing to marketing and beyond. Distinguished presenters including Larry Hebbert, Doug Erickson, Bryce Root, Elizabeth Birnbaum, Candance Elliott, David Dennis, Ted Holladay, Will Wiseman, and many more will share their wealth of knowledge to help businesses flourish in the competitive Santa Cruz market.

The 2023 Small Business Summit culminates with a riveting panel discussion featuring Doug Erikson, Leroy Elkin, and Will Wiseman, who will delve into Santa Cruz County's thriving startup ecosystem and highlight venture capital funding opportunities. This captivating conversation will offer invaluable insights into equity funding, the local investment climate, and ways to harness the region's entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to this esteemed panel, the summit will feature the highly anticipated Women Business Owners Panel, aspiring to empower and champion female entrepreneurs, and our recurring Access to Capital panel, featuring local lenders to provide a comprehensive overview of the various financing options available throughout the Santa Cruz area.

The 2023 Small Business Summit is made possible by the generous contributions of its sponsors, including Santa Cruz County Bank, Cabrillo College, the City of Santa Cruz, and County of Santa Cruz. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, providing a unique chance to support this exceptional event and promote your business. Seize this extraordinary opportunity to learn, network, and elevate your business at this premier event presented by the Santa Cruz County SBDC. By participating, you'll gain access to a treasure trove of resources and knowledge, while directly participating in Santa Cruz County's thriving small business community.

To learn more, purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, visit https://sccsmallbusinesssummit.com/. Register now to secure your place at this unmissable gathering of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region.

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Venture Capital and the Start up Ecosystem Panel

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of startups and venture capital at the 2023 Santa Cruz County Small Business Summit. Don't miss the highly anticipated Startup and Venture Capital Panel featuring industry experts Doug Erickson, Executive Director of Santa Cruz Works; Leroy Elkin from Central Coast Angels; Will Wiseman, CEO & Co-Founder of Climatize; and the SBDC Tech Futures Group, which specializes in helping tech startups in Northern California succeed.

This exceptional panel will provide invaluable insights into the thriving startup ecosystem in Santa Cruz County, equity funding, the local investment climate, and strategies to leverage regional resources for business growth. With a wealth of experience and success stories, these experts are ready to share their knowledge and help entrepreneurs like you reach new heights. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply interested in the world of startups and venture capital, this panel is a must-attend event at the 2023 Small Business Summit.