Find the funding to build here.
Santa Cruz Works has compiled the most relevant grants, investors, and funding programs for local founders and small businesses, from federal non-dilutive grants to California-specific startup capital.
A grant worth knowing about right now.
These are the most relevant non-dilutive funding programs for Santa Cruz founders and small businesses. New grants will be added here as they open.
NSF SBIR/STTR: Up to $1.55M for deep-tech startups
NSF's relaunched Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs provide non-dilutive R&D funding for startups turning scientific discoveries into commercial products. NSF takes no equity and you keep full ownership of your IP. Phase I awards fund proof-of-concept; Phase II funds continued development. The program funds across nearly all technology areas, including hardware, biotech, climate, AI, and advanced manufacturing.
Who it's for: US-based startups developing high-risk, high-impact deep technology with strong commercial potential. Must be at least 50% owned by US citizens or permanent residents. Start with a short Project Pitch. You need an invitation from NSF before you can submit a full proposal, so new applicants should plan for the March 4, 2027 deadline.
Learn more & apply →New grants will be added here as they open. Contact us if you think something's a good fit.
Investors, lenders & crowdfunding.
Equity, debt, and community capital sources that have a track record of investing in Santa Cruz County founders and businesses.
Local & Central Coast
Santa Cruz Ventures
The largest venture fund in Santa Cruz County, investing in local high-growth companies building the future of the Central Coast.
étre Venture Capital
Women-led VC firm investing in underserved entrepreneurs and founders with limited geographic access to capital.
AgTech VC & IncubatorReservoir
Salinas-based agtech innovation center and venture fund backing startups that build tools for specialty crop growers.
Small Business LoansGrow America
Loan program focused on supporting small businesses in Santa Cruz County, an alternative to equity funding.
Business BankingWest Coast Community Bank
Provides funding for startups who want to grow without giving up equity in their company.
Resource GuideMore financing options
A broader guide to financing options for small businesses in Santa Cruz, compiled by Choose Santa Cruz.
Beyond Santa Cruz County
Crosslink Capital
A global fund with partners who live and surf in Santa Cruz, with strong local ties and tech-sector focus.
Climate VCBuoyant Ventures
Invests in digital technology companies helping communities adapt to and mitigate climate change.
Crowdfunding AgencyArora Project
Equity crowdfunding agency, now part of Republic, that has helped startups raise over $110M through Regulation Crowdfunding.
Equity CrowdfundingStartEngine
Raise seed funding from your community of customers and supporters on terms you set. More than $1.5B has been invested through the platform.
Grant DiscoveryXRaise
AI-powered grant discovery tool to help you find federal, state, and private funding opportunities relevant to your company.
Help navigating the application process.
These organizations specialize in helping founders find, apply for, and commercialize federal and state grant funding, especially SBIR/STTR.
Larta Institute
A national nonprofit that has helped 4,500+ startups commercialize federally funded research. Partners with DARPA, NIH, DOE, NSF, NIST, NOAA, and USDA. Alumni have raised more than $7B in external funding.
Visit Larta Institute →NSF SBIR/STTR Webinars
NSF runs regular free webinars, including "Intro to America's Seed Fund" and "Preparing your Phase I Proposal," to help first-time applicants understand the process before submitting a Project Pitch.
See upcoming webinars →California Grants Portal
The official state portal listing all active California grant programs. Filter by industry, applicant type, and funding amount to find programs that match your company.
Browse the portal →Santa Cruz Works
We're happy to connect local founders with grant resources, introductions, and guidance. If you think a grant is a good fit for your company, reach out and we'll do our best to help.
Contact us →New to startup fundraising?
Watch our recordings on equity crowdfunding, community investing, and how Santa Cruz founders are raising capital in new ways.
Startup Equity Crowdfunding
Our 2020 clinic on how founders can raise money directly from their community through equity crowdfunding. Note: the Reg CF limit has since risen from $1.07M to $5M per year.
Event RecordingCommunity Speed Investing
A recording of our first Community Speed Funding event, a fast-format pitch session connecting local founders with community investors.
Community & NetworkWomen in VC
CSUMB's Women in Venture Capital Initiative offers events, education, and a local network for women founders and investors on the Central Coast.