Santa Cruz Works’ annual job fair and student business plan pitch competition event, Santa Cruz Launchpad, previously known as “Get Hired” is back once again for its 6th year in a row! This event is split into two parts: a student business plan pitch competition, and a job fair open to the public. Santa Cruz Launchpad 2023 will take place in person on Thursday, May 25, at the Cocoanut Grove. This year’s event is produced and funded by the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development, Santa Cruz Works, UC Santa Cruz Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED), UC Santa Cruz Innovation and Business Engagement Hub, UC Santa Cruz Career Success, Cabrillo College, Lookout Santa Cruz, and Blackstone LaunchPad.

Santa Cruz Launchpad 2023

Student Business Plan Pitch Competition

• 12-4pm: As many as 20 student teams will pitch their business plans to a panel of judges. Who will have the best plans that could be the next unicorn startup? And who will win over $50,000 in cash prizes? The top 6 finalist teams will present at 6 pm, and receive their awards. If you are a student and would like to compete, apply HERE. 12-4pm session is by invitation only (please contact Kathleen Greaney if you are interested in attending kgreaney@ucsc.edu).

Job Fair

• 6-8pm: Job seekers will have the opportunity to interact with local companies offering hundreds of jobs ranging from internships to entry-level and seasoned professionals. Bring your resume, learn about a variety of companies, and their job opportunities. This job fair is open to the public. Companies who would like a table at this event, apply HERE.

Santa Cruz Launchpad 2022

Last year’s event held at UC Santa Cruz’s Hay Barn was packed to the brim and brought in over 400 attendees and 25 employers. 2022 employers included Joby Aviation, PayStand, Looker/ Google, Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Ambient Photonics, Cruz Foam, Digital NEST, Bay Federal Credit Union, Unnatural Products, Santa Cruz Seaside Company, Zero Motorcycles, and more.

Click on the buttons below to learn more or register to attend:

Photos of Santa Cruz Launchpad 2022 by Sullivan Gaudreault