SCWorks Awarded SBDC Grant for 3rd Year
Santa Cruz Works (SCWorks), a non-profit organization aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the Santa Cruz area, has been awarded a grant from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the third consecutive year. This recent grant is a testament to the organization's continued success in nurturing startup businesses through its accelerator program Santa Cruz Accelerates, which has outperformed many of its counterparts in four surrounding areas - Santa Cruz, San Jose, Monterey, and Santa Clara.
"We're excited to partner with Santa Cruz Works, an accelerator renowned for nurturing game-changing startups.” said Scott Rogalski, Associate Director for Northern California SBDC. “We see our collaboration as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in the region, driving innovation and success in the tech ecosystem."
SCWorks started with a simple mission to encourage innovation and bolster the local startup scene. The community-driven organization is comprised of members from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, investors, and technology professionals. With their collective knowledge and expertise, they set out to build a comprehensive program to support the growth of startups in the area.
The organization's flagship program, Santa Cruz Accelerates, is a four-month long accelerator program that supports early-stage startups by providing them with mentorship, training, and resources needed to grow their businesses. The program is known for its self-paced curriculum, attracting startups that are dedicated to scaling their businesses. Through a series of workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and funding opportunities, SCWorks has successfully launched several successful startups in various sectors, including planetary health, technology, healthcare, and sustainable energy.
While grants represent less than 15% of SC Works operational revenue, they enhance the organization’s credibility and reputation. Grants are often awarded based on a competitive application process, and being selected as a grantee can signify that the nonprofit is effective and impactful in its work.
Malina Long
“The SBDC grant is icing on the cake for Santa Cruz Works as it allows us to build on our accelerator program and help more local entrepreneurs succeed,” remarks Malina Long, Program Director of Santa Cruz Accelerates.
Santa Cruz Works' recent grant victory is a cause for celebration for the local community as it affirms the organization's commitment to developing and supporting thriving startups. The award strengthens SCP's ability to foster innovation and create a favorable ecosystem for local startups to thrive. This news is evidence that SCP's efforts have attracted significant recognition from the broader business community, and we look forward to the continued success of the accelerator program, resulting in more thriving businesses in the future.