Are you ready for next week? On September 13, we will be hosting our 5th Annual Pitch Contest for the 5th cohort of the Santa Cruz Works Accelerator Program! Get ready to be inspired as 5 incredible new startups take the stage and deliver 5-minute presentations to a panel of esteemed judges and venture capitalists. The stakes are high, with the first-place winner receiving a prize of $5,000 from Santa Cruz Ventures and the second-place winner will walk away with $2,500 from the City of Santa Cruz. But that's not all - all finalists will have the opportunity to access additional investments from Santa Cruz Ventures. And guess what? You, the audience, also have the power to vote for your favorite startup and help them snag a $1,000 cash prize! Hurry, though - seating is extremely limited, so grab your tickets FAST!

Take a look at the lineup of startups who will pitch:

The Finalists

CarbonBridge: Using CO2 and methane - key components of waste - with energy-efficient microbial conversion, CarbonBridge is able to produce ultra-low carbon renewable methanol. This clean fuel powers vessels, keeping the world moving without poisoning the air we breathe, and unlocks unlimited potential, extending far beyond the maritime industry.

Edily: Edily’s mission is to empower creators, educators, and learners and create the most personalized online education experience in the world using short-form content.

Here For You: Here For You provides a comprehensive support platform for individuals and families in times of need.

MoneyFlow Organization: Taking on the challenge of reducing financial stress, MoneyFlow Organization is revolutionizing financial engagement for individuals and families.. MoneyFlow’s 3-Step Money Game empowers individuals, and families to 1. know and control their cash flow, 2. Gain debt awareness and debt control 3. Achieve their financial goals.

SwellCycle Inc.: Swellcycle aims to the surf industry by 3D printing sustainable surfboards. Their core mission revolves around minimizing environmental waste, slashing production and shipping expenses, enhancing the buying experience for surf enthusiasts, and fostering a fresh, socially engaging surfing ecosystem.