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Program

Connect. Collaborate. Disrupt.

Founded in 2015 in Santa Cruz, California, Santa Cruz Works accelerator program Santa Cruz Accelerates empowers entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and drive societal change. We connect startups, experts, and communities to transform businesses and boost economic growth. Our commitment extends to promoting entrepreneurship as a catalyst for solving critical issues, creating opportunities, and increasing employment. We embrace founders from all backgrounds, supporting innovative ventures through our unique equity-free model, which nurtures high-impact ideas from diverse sources.

2026 Program Update

We expect to launch the 7th cohort of Santa Cruz Accelerates in the Spring 2026. Watch our weekly newsletter for details.

Program Advantages

Established Presence: Since 2007, our non-profit has been a pillar of support for entrepreneurs in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, fueled by robust local partnerships.
Proven Track Record: We've launched 52 startups across five cohorts, with 28 achieving significant liquidity events, demonstrating our effective support and guidance. See Portfolio.
Global Partners: Our platform partners with OneValley (formerly GSV Labs), Startup Science, and Innovation Within (online version of the Lean Startup Methodology now with AI). These global partners bring decades of experience and a vast network of mentors and angels. And…over $1M in perks!
Strong Community Support: Unique in its extensive backing, Santa Cruz Works Accelerates is supported by key local stakeholders including the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development, UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, Looker Google, Joby Aviation, and over 100 other organizations.
Equity Preservation: Unlike others who may claim up to 6% equity, our program maintains a zero-dilution policy to ensure you keep full ownership of your startup.
Access to Expertise: Benefit from the insights and advice of over 50 mentors and venture capitalists, including specialized support from entities like Bill Richter Law, Patrick Reilly IP Society, Studio Holladay, and Central Coast Angels.
Extensive Perks: Enjoy over $1 million in value through perks such as 75% off HubSpot services, six months free of Zendesk, $10,000 in AWS credits, local restaurant discounts, co-working space subsidies, and much more.
Flexible Online Format: Our 15-week accelerator program is entirely online and self-paced, with optional opportunities to attend in person networking events, and culminating in an in person Pitch Contest and Demo Day. Winning startups at these events have the opportunity to receive seed funding to propel their growth.

Flowchart of a startup program flight plan from start to finish, including steps such as Systems Check, Countdown, Ignition, Launch, Orbit, Take Off, and Finish, with descriptions and icons for each step.

Flight Plan 2024

When you are accepted into our accelerator program, you will gain access to a whole array of resources. Here is what you need to know:

Systems check: Make sure you meet the requirements to participate in the program. See Ticket to Ride section below.
Countdown: Every founder thinks their idea will turn into the BEST product in the world until they realize no one else actually wants it. Founders will go through Discovery to test and validate their ideas before wasting valuable time or money. Through SCA, founders will have access to Innovation Within’s online Lean Startup (market validation) platform which was developed in collaboration with Steve Blank and Lean Startup. All startups planning to apply for an NSF grant at any time in the future will be required to complete this course.
Ignition: Follow the online course curriculum on One Valley or Startup Science and complete at least 80% of the courses by August 16 and 25 customer discovery interviews to be eligible for participating in the pitch competition. Startups will attend weekly meetings to share progress updates, ask questions, learn and connect with one another, and practice their pitches.
Launch: Interview customers, meet with mentors, establish your core team, company legal status, IP, MVP, perfect your pitch, secure funding, and much more. If you have already completed some segments such as corporate entity, blast on through to the segments which are of most value to you and your team.
Orbit: Startups that pass through countdown, ignition, and launch stages are now ready for orbit! Pitch to investors and go after funding. Santa Cruz Works will invite the top startups who completed the program to participate in the in person pitch competition on November 6 where they will be evaluated by judges and compete for seed capital.
Take off: You’re ready for exit or to continue growing your startup into a national (and possibly) global business!

Ticket to Ride

Climate, environment, sustainability, clean technology, and AI for good focused startups are the main industries we are looking to target, however, we are open to founders and startups with products and solutions that will make the world a better place. To apply to our program, we recommend that you…

Have a team (you and at least 1 person working part time at your startup)
At least $25,000 invested in or raised from Angel investors
Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Climate, environment, sustainability, clean technology, and AI for good are the main industries we are looking to target, however, we are open to founders and startups with products and solutions that will make the world a better place.

FAQ

Santa Cruz Works is the hub for Santa Cruz County’s innovation economy. We connect entrepreneurs, employers, and community partners through programs, events, and resources that help ideas become companies and careers. We build networks, accelerate startups, and grow a resilient local ecosystem where talent, capital, and opportunity meet.
Startups will meet weekly on Zoom as a cohort to share progress, tackle challenges, and get candid feedback and advice. Founders will also complete self-paced online courses designed to build the skills and knowledge needed to grow. Teams can schedule mentor sessions as needed, with optional in-person networking opportunities offered along the way. Startups that complete all program requirements will practice pitching, and top performers will be selected to present at an in-person pitch contest and Demo Day in Santa Cruz County.
Ideally your startup should be located in the greater Monterey Bay area. Courses and weekly meetings take place online. However, if you wish to pitch at our pitch competition or attend any optional networking events, those will both take place in Santa Cruz . It is strongly recommended to have a team member who is located in California.
Our accelerator has supported standout startups with real traction. Jane Technologies has raised more than $128.5 million across four funding rounds. Cruz Foam earned national recognition, including Time’s Best Inventions of 2023 for Cruz Cool and a spot on America’s Top GreenTech Companies 2024. Immergo Labs secured a $1 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation. Explore more of our successful launches through our growing alumni portfolio.
We are based in Santa Cruz County but the courses and resources can be accessed online from anywhere in the world. Startups who have participated in the past typically are based in the Santa Cruz County and Central Coast region. Anyone can participate in the program, however, if you plan to enter the pitch contest/demo day, you or a representative must present your pitch to judges in person in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz Works Accelerator selection is competitive and designed to identify teams ready to move fast. Each cohort typically receives 30+ applications, and only about 10 startups are accepted. Applicants are reviewed for momentum and execution readiness: a complete founding team, a working prototype or MVP, and real customer traction such as paying customers or committed beta customers. Revenue is a plus, but not required. We also look for meaningful founder commitment, including at least $50,000 invested to date from personal funds or aligned sources like family, friends, and angel investors. Finalists are interviewed before cohort offers are made.
Our goal is to help your startup become genuinely investable, not just “pitch-ready.” Throughout the program, you’ll work on customer validation, traction, business model clarity, and a compelling narrative backed by evidence. If you’re making strong progress and your company is ready to raise, we’ll make targeted introductions to investors who fit your stage and sector. In short: earn the right to raise, then we help you meet the right people.